Your Heart Your Health

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Helping to ensure healthy hearts across SWLA.

Heart and Vascular Physicians with Lake Charles Memorial Health System proudly support HeartiGras

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February is American Heart Month, and we’re not talking about Valentine’s Day. It’s about your heart health! According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. About 697,000 people in the United States died from heart disease in 2020—that’s one in every five deaths. Understanding the risk factors for heart disease and how to live a hearthealthy lifestyle are a part of protecting your health and practicing self-care. In this annual special section, we offer information on knowing the risk factors and how to keep your heart healthy. You’ll also find a fascinating story on one local family’s journey with heart illness and how they were aided by Local Heart Foundation.

we get to the heart of the matter.

Heart health is vital to your overall well-being. By exercising regularly, choosing healthy foods, controlling stress as much as possible, and monitoring your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, you are on the right path for a strong, healthy heart.

As we celebrate American Heart Month in February, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is committed to healthy hearts now, and all year long. From health and wellness checks to our own Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers, we’re your team for good heart health.

by Christine Fisher

The foods we eat provide fuel for our bodies. If we continuously eat foods high in sugar and fat, it should be no surprise that the body could begin to deteriorate over time. On the other hand, an eating plan filled with vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables will help the body stay healthy and vital.

“Heart-healthy eating is an important way to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke,” says Cynthia Chantlin, CDCES, registered dietitian with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “It’s one of the most important ways to benefit the health of your heart.” Since heart disease accounts for nearly one-third of all deaths worldwide, a heart-healthy diet is an important factor in maintaining good heart health.

Certain foods can influence blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation and triglycerides, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. Chantlin encourages a diet filled with these heart-healthy foods.