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Heart Disease Resources

People of all ages need to keep their heart healthy. Eating well, exercising regularly, and seeing your health care provider can help you keep your heart healthy. Work with your healthcare provider and adopt good lifestyle habits to help lower the risk of heart disease.

Heart disease describes conditions related to plaque building up in the walls of the arteries. Other conditions include arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms), congenital heart failure, and heart valve problems.

What is your risk?

Heart disease can happen to anyone, including children. You can be born with it, and a family history of heart disease may increase your risk.

Most heart disease develops over time due to poor habits such as smoking or eating an unhealthy diet. Having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes also increases your risk of heart disease. Talk with your provider about ways to prevent or manage diabetes and control other risk factors.

What is a good resting heart rate?

A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Remember, factors such as age, physical activity, and overall health can affect what is considered your normal resting heart rate.

Talk to your provider if you have concerns about your heart rate.

How does high blood pressure affect heart health?

The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Causes for high blood pressure include:

  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Smoking
  • Not getting enough regular physical activity
  • Unhealthy diets, including high amounts of sodium and alcohol

Talk to your provider about how you can lower your blood pressure to help avoid heart disease and stroke.

How can you lower your risk of heart disease?
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, poultry, and fish; avoid having too much salt or sugar
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise at least 150 minutes per week
• Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at a healthy level
• Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations
Can heart disease be treated?
Yes. Talk to your provider about how to safely reduce the risk of heart disease. You can also talk about setting goals for a healthier heart. Your provider may also prescribe medication.
What are symptoms of a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. Be aware of the following symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Cold sweat
  • Nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the jaw, neck, arms, shoulder, or back

Call 911 if you or someone you know is having a heart attack.

What can cause Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood and meet your body's needs. The following factors may increase your risk of CHF:

  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol levels
  • High blood pressure
  • Poor diet
  • Not getting enough physical activity
  • Smoking and/or using tobacco
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Stress

Talk to your provider to learn more about CHF.

What can cause heart arrhythmia?

A heart arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. Factors that may cause arrhythmia include:

  • Blood sugar levels that are too low or too high
  • Caffeine, illegal drugs, and certain medications
  • Dehydration
  • Low levels of electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium
  • Physical activity
  • Strong emotional stress or anxiety
  • Vomiting or coughing
  • Smoke
  • Use illegal drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines
  • Drink alcohol more often and more than is recommended (no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women)
  • Take certain antibiotics and over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines

Talk to your provider about how to prevent arrhythmias.

Here are some resources to help you prevent or manage heart disease:

 

Managing Blood Pressure Flyer

American Heart Association

 High Blood Pressure Resources Page (CDC)

Heart Health Articles and Videos (Healthwise)


 

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More Heart Health News:


NEWS RELEASE: New York State PTA and Fidelis Care Launch New 'Every Child Healthy' Program
7/27/2020 • Posted by Fidelis Care

 

For NYS PTA: 
Lorey A. Zaman, President
Kyle McCauley Belokopitsky, Esq., Executive Director
(518) 452-8808
(518) 817-3017
execdirector@nyspta.org

For Fidelis Care: 
MediaInquiries@fideliscare.org

 

NEW YORK STATE PTA AND FIDELIS CARE 
LAUNCH NEW ‘EVERY CHILD HEALTHY’ PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES 


Nature

Program will focus on students’ health and wellness
throughout the summer and upcoming school year 


ALBANY, NY (July 27, 2020) – The New York State PTA and Fidelis Care are joining together to launch Every Child Healthy, a new initiative designed to provide health and wellness resources to children and families throughout the summer, and as they prepare for a new school year in the fall.  


From kid-friendly videos and flyers, to webinars for parents, and tips and guidance from health care and education professionals, Every Child Healthy will bring together helpful tools and support, accessible from the NYS PTA and Fidelis Care websites, as well as on social media. With many families experiencing an unexpected loss of income or change in employment because of the COVID-19 outbreak, information about affordable health insurance options for children and adults of all ages will also be available.


“We are thrilled to partner with Fidelis Care to support our children and families across the state,” said NYS PTA President Lorey A. Zaman. “Health and wellness has never been more important for our children and we are pleased that Fidelis Care and NYS PTA will be there to help families and schools over the summer, and when they reconvene in the fall.”

Healthy eating habits, snack ideas, physical activity, asthma, and the importance of hand washing are among the first topics that will be covered, with more content for parents, families and educators to be released in the weeks and months ahead. Flyer translations will be available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian, with other languages available upon request. Parents and guardians who need health insurance for themselves or their families can meet with a trained and knowledgeable Fidelis Care representative over the phone to ask questions or get personal assistance with enrollment.

“Fidelis Care is proud to work side-by-side with the New York State PTA in support of the health and wellness of local children and families,” said Pam Hassen, Chief Member Engagement Officer. “Our collaboration is based on shared values and the belief that the health and well-being of children are foundational for the health and well-being of our schools and communities. Through ‘Every Child Healthy,’ we look forward to supporting families in their daily lives and as they prepare for a new school year.” 

Every Child Healthy content can be found at https://www.fideliscare.org/Blog/Every-Child-Healthy and https://nyspta.org/every-child-healthy/.


       
About Fidelis Care
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than two million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.


Follow us on Twitter at @fideliscare and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare.
 
About NYS PTA
NYS PTA is one of the oldest and largest child advocacy associations in New York State, established in 1897 to make every child’s potential a reality. With nearly 300,000 members in New York State, PTA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child.  To learn more about NYS PTA, or for more information, call NYSPTA at 518-452-8808 or visit www.nyspta.org.


Follow us on Twitter at @nyspta and on Facebook at facebook.com/nyspta