According to the LA Times the famous infomercial spokesman Billy Mays died from heart disease on Sunday June 28, 2009 in his home in Tampa, Florida. His death comes as a surprise to many considering the great losses we have suffered in the past few weeks. With the passing of Billy Mays this serves as a time to take a serious look at our own health.
Heart Disease is the number one cause of death in America. The American Heart Association states that 82 percent of people who die of Coronary Heart Disease are over the age of 65 and in New York State, Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death.
Heart disease is a broad term for many different diseases that affect people 50 and older. Some of these diseases include but are not limited to Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) and Strokes. Although we do not have a crystal ball to see if we are going to be affected with any of these diseases, there are ways of preventing it. One way to start the process is to know your family history, it can give you a head up as to what to look for in your own health.
Wonder if you can do this????
The CDC has some tips on preventing heart disease:
- Prevent and control high blood pressure
- Prevent and control high blood cholesterol
- Prevent and control diabetes
- No smoking
- Moderate alcohol
- Manage a healthy weight
- Physical exercise
- Diet and Nutrition
For some local stats, The Research Center of Stroke and Heart Disease Jacobs Neurological Institute which is affiliated with Buffalo General Hospital and the University at Buffalo states that, "Erie County residents experience 33% more heart disease death than the average U.S. citizen." They also state, "...risk factors that can contribute to stroke and heart disease, such as high blood pressure and overweight/obesity, are elevated in the WNY region." Taking a walk around Delaware Park sounds pretty good right about now. This is why physical activity is so important for people over the age of 50.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services gives some helpful tips on how an older American can stay active. You don't have to go to the gym everyday and start preparing for the Annual Turkey Trot. But it can just be a 30 minute work out a few times a week. There are many places out in the community that have exercise classes for older Americans so you don't have to do it alone. The YMCA on Delaware Ave is a perfect example. Its never to late to start so lets all try and stay healthy.
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