Winning Health | Gold Coast Health Plan | Issue 3 | Winter 2018

Knowledge is power Standard U.S. Postage PAID Long Beach, CA Permit No. 2041 I s your heart healthy? It’s an important question. Heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack, is still the nation’s top killer. And anyone can develop heart disease. However, you may be more likely to get heart disease if you: ■  ■ Smoke. ■  ■ Don’t exercise much. ■  ■ Eat an unhealthy diet, such as one high in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium. ■  ■ Weigh too much. ■  ■ Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. 4 ways to help your heart The good news? You can lower your risk for a heart attack, even if you already have heart disease. Here are some steps to take: 4 ways to help prevent a heart attack 1 Get to know your doctor. See your provider for checkups that can help you stay healthy. And if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, ask your doctor how to control it. 2 Make heart-healthy changes. Eat lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains. Switch to low-fat milk and lean meats. Get some exercise throughout each week– walking is one easy way to stay in shape. 3 Kick a bad habit. If you smoke, ask your doctor for help to quit. Medicines and programs can make it easier. 4 Shed a few pounds, if you need to. Ask your doctor what a healthy weight is for you. Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute FEBRUARY IS LOVE-YOUR-HEART MONTH Issue 3 • Winter 2018 health winning Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health Body: breaking out in a cold sweat; fatigue or weakness Shoulders or arms: pain or discomfort in one or both Back: pain or discomfort Neck or jaw: pain or discomfort Head: dizziness; light- headedness Lungs: shortness of breath; coughing Chest: pain or discomfort LEARN TO SPOT SYMPTOMS OF A HEART ATTACK You could have one or more of these: Call 911 if you’re having symptoms of a heart attack. Stomach: pain or discomfort; nausea; vomiting