As cardiovascular disease remains one of the most widespread and complicated health challenges in the United States and around the world, it is important to note this Heart Health Month that most cardiovascular-related deaths and health problems disproportionately affect people of color, especially in Black communities.
Despite these enormous challenges, there are still some ways to modify your risk for heart disease and its related health issues. Jayne Morgan, M.D., C’84, cardiologist and executive director of the Covid Task Force for the Piedmont Healthcare Corporation in Atlanta offers simple, yet significant ways to keep your heart healthy.
- Maintaining a healthy diet is key to a healthy heart. Whether in conjunction with exercise or simply remaining conscious of how many vegetables or fruits you eat, one’s diet directly influences the state of the heart. According to Dr. Morgan, the heart is the driving force that influences additional health risks, such as obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes, or worse. In addition, regular exercise, and related events – like the upcoming Spelman Wellness Heart Health "Fun" Walk on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m. – can also help keep your heart healthy and keep blood flowing.
- Sleep is vital! Underestimating the importance of sleep is a common misconception when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart. From Dr. Morgan’s experience, sleep is increasingly being referenced when it comes to quality of life and quality of cardiovascular health.
- It is important to understand how institutional racism and societal construct can impact your health. Access to education and information greatly influences the quality of life one can live, thus, influencing one’s quality of health as well.
For more information and resources, visit Dr. Morgan’s website.