February is for hearts, that much is certain. That, of course, includes figurative and candy hearts for Valentine’s Day, but there’s another heart that is far more important that you should be pledging your devotion to this month: your heart.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. In fact, someone dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the U.S. That alone should underscore the importance of heart health.
While factors that are within our control, like diet and exercise, are often the first to come to mind, there’s another significant risk factor to acknowledge that is not — genetics.
In this edition, Alex Santiago, husband of Polk County Commissioner Martha Santiago, shares his story of a heart attack he experienced even though he was taking all the right actions and was in great shape. His father and brother also had heart problems, and as his doctor told him, “a gene is a gene.” His story showcases why it is so critical to familiarize yourself with your family’s medical history.
Inside you can also learn more about heart disease risk factors and the key role that sleep and stress play in heart health.
Don’t forget to check out our calendar to find great health-related events throughout Polk County. On behalf of the Polk County Medical Association, thank you for reading Central Florida Health News.