February Focus: Keep Those Tickers Ticking

The heart. It’s about the size of two hands clasped together, and it can give Watco a run for its money when it comes to playing an essential role in transportation and logistics.

This vital organ pumps blood that transports oxygen, nutrients, antibodies, and waste to their proper destinations. And if there were ever a time to give it some extra attention, it’s now, during American Heart Month.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. The most common type of heart disease in the U.S. is coronary artery disease, which is often linked to cholesterol and plaque buildup that can lead to heart attacks.

Controllable Risk Factors

Some risk factors are inherited, but others can be controlled. Those, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, include high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood, high blood pressure, excess sugar in the blood due to diabetes, obesity, and smoking.

Lifestyle Practices

The keys to good heart health won’t surprise you: physical activity and a healthy diet.

• Exercise. Experts at the Cleveland Clinic say regular exercise is the single most important key to heart health. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day can have a positive effect on weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Team members on Watco’s health plan can take advantage of fitness-related discounts provided through Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

• Follow a healthy diet . As with exercise, eating the right foods can help keep extra weight off, keep LDL cholesterol in check, and control blood sugar levels. It also can help manage blood pressure. (To help keep blood pressure in range, cut back or get rid of salt. Try salt substitutes and salt-free spice mixes like Dash™.) Mayo Clinic has some recommendations. And Watco team members have access to more than 200 dietitian-reviewed recipes and health videos through the company’s Team Member Assistance Program provider, New Directions Participants in Watco’s health plan can pair up with a certified health coach using My Health NovelSM offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. To get started, log into My Health Toolkit® and complete a short assessment.

• Don’t smoke. Nicotine increases the chances of arterial plaque buildup, which narrows arteries and hardens artery walls, potentially bringing about higher blood pressure, an elevated heart rate, and even a blood clot. And according to Mayo Clinic, even some forms of smokeless tobacco can increase the heart rate and blood pressure, with long-term use increasing the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke. Besides containing nicotine, smokeless tobacco contains high sodium content and sometimes licorice, which has been linked to heart issues. For help quitting tobacco, visit Quit for Life or call (866) 784-8454.