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Does your heart need some TLC?

If you're wondering why you're being bombarded with so much heart news this month, the answer is simple: September is Heart Awareness Month.

Heart disease is the number one killer in the world. In South Africa, one in three men and one in four women will develop heart disease and, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, about 130 people have heart attacks daily - that's about five heart attacks every hour!

Many people mistakenly believe that heart disease only affects men. The truth, however, is that heart disease affects everyone - no matter your age, gender, race or income group.

It is also important to be aware that heart attack symptoms in men and women can be different. Whereas men often report pain and discomfort in the chest, women can experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

The good news is that there is much you can do to avoid becoming another statistic. The first step is to have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels measured at your local pharmacy or clinic. If your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are too high, you will need to change your lifestyle, as these two factors have been directly linked to heart disease. (You can also do this fun quiz to check your heart age.)

The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa recommends the following lifestyle changes for a healthy heart:
  • reduce your salt intake, both at the table, and by being aware of hidden salt in processed foods
  • eat a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fibre, fatty fish, and limit red or fatty meat, fried foods and high-fat snack foods
  • avoid the harmful use of alcohol, that is, more than one drink a day for women and more than two drinks a day for men
  • enjoy regular physical activity at least five days a week
  • maintain a healthy body weight, and
  • don't smoke
Show your heart some TLC today, and feel the love for many years to come. 

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