Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, causing about 647,000 deaths annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart disease is also an extremely expensive disease—costing the United States about $207 billion annually in health care, medications and lost productivity.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a term used to refer to several different types of heart conditions. Out of all the different conditions, coronary artery disease—caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the heart’s arteries—is the most common.
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
The symptoms of heart disease can vary, and some people may not even know they have a heart condition until they have a heart attack. Common signs and symptoms of heart disease include shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, weakness and fatigue.
If you experience any of these symptoms, or if they become more severe or frequent, contact your doctor.
Is heart disease preventable?
In many cases, heart disease can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle and properly managing health conditions. American Heart Month, organized by the American Heart Association (AHA), is designed to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it. Here are tips that may help prevent heart disease:
- Refrain from smoking.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit your sodium intake.
- Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Manage your stress.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
If you are concerned about your risk of developing heart disease or would like to find out more information about the condition, visit the AHA’s website and contact your primary care physician.
Heart disease causes about 647,000 deaths annually, according to the CDC.
The winter months are commonly associated with decreasing temperatures and increasing cases of the common cold. Typically, symptoms of the common cold come on gradually, and may start with a sore throat or irritated sinuses.
According to Healthline, when you have a cold, you’re contagious approximately one to two days before symptoms start and can continue to be contagious for up to seven days after you’ve become sick. Unfortunately, many people can’t stay home for that long to fully recover. Consider the following suggestions to help avoid becoming ill or passing on a cold:
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap often.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
- Sanitize commonly touched surfaces.
- Always cough and sneeze into your elbow—not your hands—to prevent spreading germs.
The discomfort and pain from slouching at a desk all day is very common, with many office workers suffering pain at least once a week. Avoid unnecessary discomfort at work by focusing on your posture and making your workstation ergonomically appropriate. When applied to your workstation, these two tips will help promote good posture and correct ergonomics:
- Chair position—Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet rest comfortably on the floor, with your knees about level with your hips, making sure your seat is not pressing against the back of your knees.
- Computer monitor—Position your monitor 18 to 30 inches from your eyes. The top of your screen should be at eye level or below so you look slightly down at your work. If glare is a problem, turn off some or all overhead lights and close blinds if possible.
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
Cold:
Sore Throat, Sneezing, Coughing, Vomiting
Flu:
Mucle Pain, High Fever, Fatigue, Chills
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Total Calories | 239 |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 486 mg |
| Total Sugars | 2 g |
Source: USDA
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 ½ cups water or broth
- 2 cups green beans
- 2 ½ Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
Preparations
- Toast quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.
- Put quinoa in a medium pot and add water or broth.
- Bring to a boil, then let simmer until all of the water is absorbed and quinoa is tender (10-20 minutes).
- Set aside and leave uncovered to cool.
- While quinoa is cooling, microwave the green beans until just tender.
- Rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, olive oil or cooking oil, sesame oil, green beans, lemon juice, soy sauce and ground ginger. Stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve at room temperature.
For more information and helpful links, please download our February 2020 Live Well, Work Well Newsletter.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice.