Hearts are THE topic of conversation every February, and we wholeheartedly endorse that. (See what we did there?) While cupids and candy hearts may dominate the majority of February’s buzz, there’s something even more important that is celebrated this month: heart health.
According to the CDC, one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease in the US, making heart disease the leading cause of death for men and women alike. The good news is that regular exercise and a healthy diet go a long way in keeping your heart in the best shape possible. The bad news is there is a lot of misinformation eclipsing even the most basic of fitness principles. In our Pop Quiz, we break down some of the more common fitness and exercise myths.
Perhaps one of the most important things to remember is that there are ways to make exercise feel like less of a chore. Inside, learn how the Palomaki family of Winter Haven has embraced a healthier lifestyle as part of the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team.
Plus, don’t miss our discussion with Bond Clinic cardiologist Dr. Jennifer Forbes about the American Heart Association’s update to its risk prediction tool.
And finally, we talked with one woman who persevered through the tragic loss of her fiance and is now raising money to donate automatic external defibrillators to local businesses.
Take heart, from information to inspiration, this edition covers it all.
On behalf of the Polk County Medical Association, thank you for reading.
