February 2009 HealthierYou Calendar

Reduce Heart Disease Risk Factors Now!

Key to the Matching Activity

• American Heart Month
• National Wear Red Day
• National Burn Awareness Week (1st full week, February 1-7)

Fact or Fiction

When visiting a health care provider it is best to only listen and not ask any questions.

Fiction: We have a responsibility to understand our health status and associated risks. Ask questions; learn to be an informed consumer of health care services by following these recommendations: Speak up if you have questions, concerns, or you don't understand the issue.

• Pay attention to the care you are receiving.
• Educate yourself about your diagnosis, related medical tests, and your treatment plan.
• Always follow up on your test results and demand action steps as needed.
• Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
• Document and always carry with you a list of the medications you take. Know why you take these medications.
• Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.
• Expand your concept of a health care provider.

Professionals in the disciplines of health education, employee assistance professionals (EAP), fitness trainers, registered dietitians, and physical rehabilitation specialists are well informed in specific principles of healthy living and aging.

February is Heart Health Month. When visiting you doctor or consulting with a health care provider use this Heart Profile tool to keep your thoughts organized.

HEART PROFILE

WHAT IS MY OVERALL RISK FOR HEART DISEASE?
1. What is my blood pressure? 2. What does it mean for me? 3. What do I need to do about it?	Blood pressure
4. What are my cholesterol numbers? 5. What do these numbers mean for me? 6. What do I need to do about them?	Total cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) bad cholesterol High-density lipoprotein (HDL) good cholesterol Triglycerides
7. Do the values for my body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement indicate that I need to lose weight for my health?	BMI Waist measurement
8. What is my blood sugar level? 9. Does it mean that I am at risk for diabetes and heart disease?	Blood sugar
10. What other screening tests for heart disease do I need? 11. How often should I return for checkups for my heart health?
12. For smokers: What can you do to help me quit smoking?
13. How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart? 14. What kinds of activities are helpful?
15. What is a heart healthy eating plan for me? 16. Should I see a registered dietitian or qualified nutritionist to learn more about healthy eating?
17. How can I tell if I'm having a heart attack?

For more information please visit these sites:

• Speak Up
• www.myhealthtestreminder.com
• Guide to a healthy heart
• www.nsbri.org
• www.cdc.gov

NASA in Your Life

Artificial Heart

The technology used in space shuttle fuel pumps led to the development of a miniaturized ventricular assist pump by NASA and renowned heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey. The tiny pump -- 2-inches long, 1-inch in diameter, and weighing less than four ounces -- is currently undergoing European clinical trials where it has been successfully implanted into more than 20 people.

For more information please visit www.sti.nasa.gov.

Down-To-Earth

Carbon Footprint

There is a connection between how we live and our health. Similarly, there is a connection between how we live and environmental health. A carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution that is emitted from normal everyday activities such as computer use, turning on the light, heating water, and riding in a car or bus. We can't altogether stop these activities but we can be conscious about their effects.

Facts:

• All human beings around the world contribute 100 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each day.
• The atmosphere can only hold so much CO2 before its effects become harmful and unstoppable.
• Almost half of the CO2 we put in the atmosphere today will still be there when our grandchildren are born.

The connection between how we live and environmental health crosses several generations. This is all the more reason to understand our role in this equation.

Calculate your energy consumption at www.carbonfootprint.com and www.mygreenelectronics.org.

HealthierYou by Choice

Oatmeal Monday is the second Monday of the month

Oatmeal is a cholesterol-free, whole grain food. Oats contain soluble fiber that binds with and helps remove some of the cholesterol which narrows arteries and leads to heart disease. Eat 3 grams of oatmeal daily in a low-fat diet.

Please visit www.webmd.com and www.mayoclinic.com for more information on the health benefits of eating oatmeal.