{"id":63364,"date":"2020-02-05T15:32:39","date_gmt":"2020-02-05T15:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lmcca.wpengine.com\/?p=63364"},"modified":"2020-02-05T17:43:24","modified_gmt":"2020-02-05T17:43:24","slug":"put-your-heart-first","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lmc.ca\/el\/lmc-blog\/put-your-heart-first\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0392\u03ac\u03bb\u03c4\u03b5 \u03c0\u03c1\u03ce\u03c4\u03b1 \u03c4\u03b7\u03bd \u03ba\u03b1\u03c1\u03b4\u03b9\u03ac \u03c3\u03b1\u03c2!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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February is Heart Health month which is quite fitting because Valentine\u2019s Day is just around the corner! What better time to talk about heart health and learn about how to best take care of it with your diabetes!<\/h3>\n

Having diabetes for a long time can affect the function of our heart over time. People with diabetes may develop heart disease 15 years earlier than those without diabetes.<\/h3>\n

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The good news is that by paying attention to certain indicators we can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke considerably. These indicators are known as the \u201cABCDESSS\u201d of diabetes. By managing these indicators with your doctor and health care team we can help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.<\/h3>\n

They stand for:<\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

A \u2013 is for A1C. Manage your blood sugars by reaching an A1C less than 7%.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

B \u2013 is for blood pressure. Aim for less than 130\/80.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

C \u2013 is for cholesterol. Try having lower \u201cLDL\u201d cholesterol level at less than 2mmol\/L.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

D-\u00a0 Sometimes diet and lifestyle aren\u2019t enough to protect our hearts and we have to turn to medication. Speak to your doctor about certain heart protective medications such as statins, blood pressure pills, cholesterol pills, Aspirin and others.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

E – Healthy Eating and Exercise- Medications may be a necessary part of our diabetes management at some point in our journey, however a healthy lifestyle full of healthy eating and activity can do wonders for the prevention and treatment of heart disease.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

S – is for self-management. It is important to take care of your diabetes and seek support when needed.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

S \u2013 is for screening. To prevent diabetes-related complications; screening is key! See your eye and foot doctor every year.<\/h3>\n

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S \u2013 is for quitting smoking. Quitting can be tough, so talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs because it may be easier with a little support!<\/h3>\n