While the majority of people want to be in good health, the reality is that a sizable number of Americans are far from that.
With that being the case, more hospitals, medical centers, schools, and others are offering heart-health classes, blog posts, social media outreach and more to drive home the importance of staying in good shape and eating right.
According to one report, some 610,000 individuals die of heart disease nationwide yearly, with heart disease being the top cause of death for both men and women. An even more staggering number is that approximately 735,000 people every year across the nation have a heart attack.
With those numbers staring both the medical community and the public in the face, greater effort is being put into educating Americans on how to improve their health outlook.
More Education at Heart of Matter
In order to better educate the public and the medical community for that matter, more education is being put forth, including online.
One of the reasons for a great push on online education is the overwhelming number of individuals (both consumers and medical pros) spending time on the Internet. With the touch of a fingertip, individuals can have a wealth of knowledge on their doorstep.
When looking at ACLS classes in Phoenix, Arizona or such courses in other parts of the nation, healthcare providers can garner certification or recertification in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) or CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), giving them more ability and knowledge to help those in need.
The courses are accepted in Arizona and across the country (plus globally. All of the coursework comes with a 3-month guarantee from the date of purchase.
Each course offers:
- Full online study materials (no additional materials are needed to pass the exam);
- Online exam offering 15 to 50 questions;
- 3 free retakes of the exam;
- Instantaneous PDF provider card which is emailed out right after the individual passes the exam;
- Hard copy provider card that is shipped without charge anywhere nationwide.
With the medical learning options available, the focus is also on individuals to better take care of their bodies, especially when it comes to exercise and eating.
So, what are some ways to improve one’s heart health and hopefully never need emergency assistance?
They include:
- Diet – What you put into your body certainly impacts how healthy your heart is now and will be in the years to come. While this doesn’t mean that you have to eat health food 24/7, you should avoid having fast-food binges and loading up on high cholesterol foods. If you’re not sure about which foods are good and which foods you should avoid on a regular basis, you can not only ask your doctor or a nutrition expert, but you can also find a wealth of information (see more below) in online blog posts, health sites, social media and more. It is important that you discuss any major dietary changes with your doctor before putting them in action;
- Exercise – While you do not need to be at the gym seven days a week, make sure you are getting a fair amount of exercise in your weekly regimen. Just as with any dieting plans you undertake, make sure you discuss with a doctor or fitness expert your plans to exercise. Undertaking an exercise regimen doesn’t mean you have to join a gym and spend money you may not have available to you. You can do simple exercises at home including sit-ups, push-ups, stretches etc. Even better is taking some time each day (even on a lunch break at work) to get outside and do some walking. Whatever exercise routine you choose, know that you are doing your part to better keep your heart healthy and happy;
- Education – Even though the right diet and exercise are critical to a happy and healthy heart, you can’t overlook the importance of education. Educating yourself on better heart health doesn’t have to be difficult; it can be as easy as talking to your doctor, fitness expert, or logging into health-related sites on the web. Educate yourself also on your family’s heart history, looking for details on any parents, siblings, blood aunts and uncles etc. who may have suffered from heart problems. If you come across such information, make sure you share it with your physician immediately.
Having a healthy heart is something that both medical personnel and patients can agree on is important.
Learning the signs of heart problems and knowing how to treat them (oftentimes on the spot) can mean the difference between life and death.