Did you know that your heart beats over 100,000 times in a day and as much as 35 billion times in a year?
The heart is hard-working and resilient. With every heartbeat, oxygen and nutrients are delivered through the bloodstream to your muscles, brain, and other vital organs to keep them functioning well. Simultaneously, wastes and toxins get taken to your kidneys to be removed so they don’t cause harm. When more oxygen and nutrients are needed, like during exercise, the heart responds by beating faster to supply the needed nutrients, and during times of rest, it slows down. When was the last time you stopped and thought about what your heart does for you? Or, perhaps the more important question is, what are you doing for your heart?
Health and wellness information is abundant, yet the cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death for men and women in the United States. It is estimated that as many as 18.2 million adults age 20 and older have some form of it. Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked vessels that can lead to a heart attack, stroke or high blood pressure. Heart disease is not something that only happens when we are older. Current research supports that heart disease can begin during childhood and teenage years due to different diseases and risk factors.
Key risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Other behaviors and conditions that increase risk include inactivity, unhealthy food choices, diabetes and obesity.
February is Heart Month, so it’s a great month to become more intentional about loving your heart better. Here are six ways to get started.
Knowing about better heart health is a great starting point, but loving your heart requires taking action. What will you do, starting now, to take care of your heart?
We have a team of registered dietitians who can help you with your goals. Whether your goal is to lose weight or simply to make better choices, our dietitians work with you to create a personalized plan that’s right for you. To learn more about confidential nutrition counseling options and packages, email nutritionservices@amfamfit.com.
Registered Dietitian
American Family Fitness Virginia Center Commons
Kiya Rivera is the Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at the Virginia Center Commons (VCC) American Family Fitness location. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science and Nutrition with a Specialization in Dietetics. Kiya completed her Dietetic Internship at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System.
Professionally, Kiya enjoys the relationships she develops with her clients through nutrition counseling. She strives to help people reach their personal health and wellness goals through education, customized nutrition, support, and encouragement. Her areas of specialty include diabetes management, weight loss, heart-healthy diets and motivational interviewing.
When Kiya is not working, you are likely to find her working on her own personal wellness and fitness goals. Kiya enjoys trying new things and loves new experiences.
Nutrition appointments with Kiya are available at American Family Fitness Virginia Center Commons.