Central Valley Doctors Health System Hospitals Offer Free Health Tips for Heart Month

In recognition of Heart Month in February, Tenet Healthcare’s Central Valley Doctors Health System hospitals – Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, Doctors Hospital of Manteca and Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock – are helping area residents take charge of their own health to protect themselves from heart disease, the nation’s leading cause of death.

The health system’s Be a Champion for Your Heart campaign encourages people to sign up to receive four weeks of healthy eating ideas, exercise tips and more via email. Participants will also be entered in a drawing to win a smartwatch. Tips include:

• Getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week may lower your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 21%.
• Increasing the recommended rate of moderate exercise by two to four times may lower your risk by 31%.
• Adopting a mostly heart-healthy diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts gives you a 14-21% lower risk of cardiovascular disease than people who do not.
• Not eating breakfast means you are 21% more likely to experience or die from cardiovascular disease.

“Many cardiac disorders and risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are inherited. However, lifestyle, diet and exercise can reduce these risk factors,” said Zachary Brewer, MD, a cardiac surgeon at Central Valley Doctors Health System Physician Group. “When you choose to fuel your body with a healthy breakfast or decide to go the extra mile on your morning walk, you are choosing to be a champion for your heart. Our campaign presents ways you can make small changes every day that add up to a big win for your heart in the long term.”

People can sign up here or via the QR code below to be automatically entered in the drawing for the smartwatch as well as help finding a doctor. They will then receive a free challenge checklist of heart-healthy activities, recipes and health tips throughout the month of February.

“Some common heart disease risk factors, like high blood pressure and cholesterol, do not have signs or symptoms, which is why it is pivotal to establish regular visits with a provider,” said Dr. Brewer. “We know heart care is a team effort, and our doctors are here to join you on your journey toward great heart health. Our doctors, nurses and technicians stand ready to answer any questions, monitor your symptoms and help you make lifestyle changes. Together, let’s champion your heart health.”

Sign up to receive four weeks of healthy eating ideas, exercise tips and more. You’ll also be entered to win a smartwatch. Official rules for the Be a Champion for Your Heart sweepstakes are available here.