February is American Heart Month, and the USPS Benefits and Wellness team is encouraging employees to focus on cardiovascular health.
Heart disease is largely preventable, yet it is the leading cause of death in the United States. One person dies from heart disease every 33 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Risk factors include having high blood pressure or high cholesterol; a history of smoking; and being overweight. Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of heart disease.
These preventative measures can help reduce the risk of heart disease:
• Avoid smoking;
• Eat a healthy diet;
• Do 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days per week; and
• Get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose checked regularly.
The CDC website has more information.
