Improve Your Heart Health with Expert Advice from NurseWise

ST. LOUIS - Feb. 6, 2014 - PRLog -- February is National Heart Awareness Month and the Registered Nurses at NurseWise, a national provider of multilingual nurse triage and health education services, are pleased to help bring awareness to the importance of heart education and wellness.

“Studies show that 80% of strokes are preventable. As an industry-leading nurse advice and care coordination organization, NurseWise is dedicated to providing life-enhancing health care education, tools and access to improve the overall health of those we serve,” said Kimberly D. Tuck, RN, Chief Executive Officer of NurseWise. “Through impactful and meaningful programs, we empower people to make well-informed lifestyle changes that decrease the risk factors for stroke and other heart related issues.”

Building upon the American Heart Association’s (AHA) “Life Simple 7,” here are a few tips for improving your heart health from the health care experts at NurseWise:

Manage blood pressure – According to the AHA, blood pressure should be less than 120/80 mm Hg (less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic) for an adult age 20 or older.

Eat better – Make a permanent lifestyle change by adopting a healthier diet. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or limiting. With plenty of wellness and cooking geared apps, websites and social media sites, you can make healthy eating a fun, creative and enjoyable experience.

Get physically active – People often think intense fitness challenges and goals are the only way to improve upon their health, but getting active doesn’t have to consist of drastic or extremely rigorous exercise programs. Adopt a more reasonable fitness routine by starting off with a 10 to15 minute walk three times a week. If you work in a sedentary job, challenge yourself to take a walk around your building or campus once a day. Something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator is another great way to improve your level of physical activity.

Lose excess weight – Once you implement a nutritious diet and increase your level of physical activity, you should begin to see a decline in excess weight. Exercise and diet have a profound effect on your ability to lose, maintain and gain weight. Keep forging ahead with your diet and fitness lifestyle changes, and you will begin to lose weight in a healthy and safe manner.

Lower cholesterol – Be aware of the types of foods you consume and which foods affect your cholesterol levels. Studies have proven that increasing your intake of foods like oatmeal, fish and omega-3 fatty acids and almondscan positively impact your good and bad cholesterol.

Reduce blood sugar – Reduce your intake of unnecessary sugars. Simply decreasing the number of sodas, juices, sweets and extra scoops of sugar in other beverages and foods can help your body re-establish a healthy blood sugar level.

Don’t smoke – Smoking’s side-effects go far beyond the obvious aesthetic downside of wrinkles and premature aging. Smoking can elevate your blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. Quitting smoking can drastically lower your risk for many serious health issues.

By following these simple yet health-altering steps you will positively take charge of your health, instead of allowing your heart health to take control of your life unexpectedly. For more information, visit www.heart.org.

About NurseWise

NurseWise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation that is in the business of providing multilingual telehealth services. We partner with health plans, hospitals, providers, colleges and universities, and other specialty organizations to ensure all callers have access to high quality, appropriate care. Our services are designed to encourage callers to become active participants in their health care, engaging in activities that promote appropriate utilization of care resources as well as better health outcomes for individuals and their families. We have provided uninterrupted service every day since 1995. NurseWise experienced Customer Care Professionals and Registered Nurses at our call centers across the country provide Care.Right.Now. through delivery of health information, education, and advice in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner. NurseWise has locations in Tempe, Ariz.; El Paso, Texas; Tyler, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; and St. Louis, Mo.

For more information, please visit our website www.nursewise.com or contact us today at info@nursewise.com.