Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012 - (Page 13)

For a fr e track y e pedomete our exe r to he lp y rc call 80 ise progress, ou 0-483 p -6385 lease . Get a FREE Pedom eter 5 Monitor your Glucose “While diabetes and heart disease is double the danger for all populations, African-Americans are at higher risk of both diseases,” says cardiologist Deepak Voora, MD. More than 3 million adult AfricanAmericans have diabetes, according to the American Heart Association, and African-American women are twice as likely as Caucasian women to have diabetes. “While we can’t change some risk factors, it’s vital that those who are at higher or double the risk be diligent in taking care of their heart.” 6 Stop Smoking According to the American Heart Association, the odds of developing heart disease are two to four times higher for a smoker than a nonsmoker. “There is no evidence that smoking does one positive thing for a person,” says cardiologist Michael Gillespie, MD. “Tobacco damages the body in so many ways that it’s just not worth it to smoke. It adds unnecessary stress to your heart, and you have only one heart, so why risk it?” To sign up for Central Carolina Hospital’s free smoking cessation classes, please call 800-483-6385. 7 Watch your Cholesterol Cholesterol is a substance that flows through your blood, attaching to arteries and vessels. “Blood platelets form around the cholesterol deposit and can chip off, causing a clot,” says cardiologist Bimal Shah, MD. It’s important that you eat foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol. But if your cholesterol is over 200, you may be placed on medication to control it. “That doesn’t mean you can eat fatty foods,” warns Dr. Shah. “You need to be mindful of everything in your lifestyle to maintain a healthy heart.” S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | 13 Deepak Voora, MD JUPITERIMAGES Michael Gillespie, MD Bimal Shah, MD

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012

Central Carolina Health - Spring 2012
From the CEO
Health Beat
Bouncing Back
Welcome to the Network
No Stone Unturned
Heart Smart
Make the Right Call

Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012