HD PHYSICAL THERAPY Celebrates American Heart Month

WAKEFIELD, Mass. - Feb. 21, 2017 - PRLog -- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women and men, accounting for 1 in 4 deaths in the United States. Nearly half of Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity or an unhealthy diet. Risk also increases with age.

The good news is that individuals of all ages can reduce their risk for heart disease by making lifestyle changes and managing medical conditions through appropriate treatment plans. With a record number of young adults living at home or in close contact with older relatives, they have a golden opportunity to encourage parents and other family members to make heart-healthy changes and offer support along the way.

That's why, for American Heart Month 2017, Million Hearts® is calling on younger Americans to spread prevention messages. We believe young adults have the power to engage their parents in crucial conversations about heart disease prevention that can result in heart-healthy behavior changes.

How can you make a difference?

• Find a time to talk. Talking with your loved ones about heart disease can be awkward, but it's important. In fact, it could save a life. At the dinner table, in the car, or even via text, have a heart-to-heart with your loved ones about improving heart health as a family.
• Encourage healthy eating habits. Even small changes can make a big difference. Suggest making healthier versions of your favorite family recipes. Look up new recipes, then accompany your loved ones on a grocery store run. Help them choose items low in sodium, added sugar, and trans fats, and make sure they stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Promote physical activity. Encourage your family members to aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Offer to join them for a walk, bring them to an exercise class, or challenge the whole family to a friendly fitness competition.
• Show support. Someone who feels supported is more likely to quit smoking. Have a heart-to-heart with your loved ones about tobacco use.
• Check in on health care. Remind family members to get their blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly by a health care provider. Are they already on medication to control their risk factors? Help family members set up a reminder system using a phone app or pillbox.

Changing your lifestyle can seem overwhelming, even when you know to make only one or two changes at a time. It can be especially difficult to determine how to get started, or which change to make first. If you need more help getting started, you may benefit from working with a licensed physical therapist. Studies show that physical therapy practices are excellent avenues for promoting a physically active lifestyle and could potentially play an important public health role. With Direct Access (which means a person can visit a physical therapist directly, without a referral, to seek a personalized health evaluation), more and more people are using physical therapy for preventative care to help them stay healthy.

But, before getting started, you should always speak to your doctor before you change, start or stop any part of your healthcare plan, including physical activity or exercise. Reading health and exercise information online may be helpful, but it cannot replace the professional diagnosis and treatment you might need from a qualified healthcare professional.

Million Hearts® is a national initiative with an ambitious goal to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in 2017. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services co-lead the initiative on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

At HD Physical Therapy, ADVANCE Magazine's 2013 'Best PT Practice Contest' silver medalist & the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Business of the Year, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Everyday we work to restore each person's maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. HDPT proudly serves the communities of Wakefield, Reading, North Reading, Wilmington, Lynnfield, Saugus, Melrose, Peabody, Stoneham, the North Shore, and Essex County, Massachusetts. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please call 781-587-0776, or visit https://www.HDPTonline.com.