NFL Partners with Close the Gap to Reverse Health Disease Trends
To help us achieve this goal, we are pleased to partner with Boston Scientific’s health equity program, Close the Gap. Since 2006, millions of people at risk for heart disease have received a clear message from Close the Gap: take charge of your heart health, talk to your doctor, and know your risk factors. The focus of the program is to provide greater access to cardiovascular care to underserved patients regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity or primary language. For more information about Close the Gap and to access tools and resources, contact http://www.your-heart-health.com/.
Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver from the Indianapolis Colts, talks about who is most at risk for heart disease and how you can minimize your risks. Watch Video.
Close the Gap Heart Health Tips
- Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. Anyone of us could be at risk. Every 39 seconds, an American dies of heart disease. It is important that you understand your risk factors and talk with your doctor to determine a plan for lowering your overall risk for developing heart disease.Take Charge of Your Heart Health.
- There are several heart healthy lifestyle habits you can adopt to lower your overall risk of developing heart disease. Here’s one: Don’t smoke and avoid second hand smoke. People who smoke are up to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smokers. If you smoke, QUIT! Take Charge of Your Heart Health.
- There are several heart healthy lifestyle habits you can adopt to lower your overall risk of developing heart disease. Here’s one: Aim for a healthy weight. If you don’t know your ideal weight, ask your doctor. The more overweight you are -- the higher your risk for heart disease. Take Charge of Your Heart Health.
- There are several heart healthy lifestyle habits you can adopt to lower your overall risk of developing heart disease. Here’s one: Get moving. Make a commitment to be more physically active. Every day, aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity. So take a brisk walk, rake the lawn, do light weight lifting, dance – just get moving! Take Charge of Your Heart Health.
- There are several heart healthy lifestyle habits you can adopt to lower your overall risk of developing heart disease. Here’s one: Eat for heart health. Choose a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and cholesterol. Be sure to include whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Eat heart smart! Take Charge of Your Heart Health.
- There are several heart healthy lifestyle habits you can adopt to lower your overall risk of developing heart disease. Here’s one: Know Your Numbers. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol – total, HDL, LDL and triglycerides – and blood glucose. Work with your doctor to improve any numbers that are not normal. Take Charge of Your Heart Health.
- Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, more American women die from heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. About every minute in the United States, a woman dies of heart disease. More women than men die of heart disease, and a woman’s symptoms can be different than a man’s. So increase your knowledge and take charge of your heart health. Others could be depending on you.
- Heredity, including race, can be a risk factor for developing heart disease. If anyone in your immediate family has a history of heart disease or diabetes, talk with your doctor about how this may affect your risk. If you are black American or Latino American, talk with your doctor about the role race plays in your risk for developing heart disease. Talking with your doctor will get you the most realistic assessment, and a plan to lower your overall risk. Take Charge of Your Heart Health.