There are several factors that affect heart health, some of which are beyond individual control, such as age, gender, family history, and ethnicity. However, other factors can be managed through lifestyle choices.
“Some of the best things people can do to help with heart health in general are lose weight, stop smoking and exercise regularly,” said Dr. Michael Chisner, cardiologist and electrophysiologist with St. Joseph’s/Candler Physician Network – Cardiology Associates and the Advanced Heart Rhythm Center at St. Joseph’s/Candler.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. To support heart health, individuals are encouraged to adopt a series of habits over a 12-week period:
The first week focuses on increasing physical activity. The American Heart Association links many deaths each year to insufficient exercise. It is recommended to gradually build up to 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity after consulting a healthcare provider if necessary.
Week two emphasizes quitting smoking. Stopping tobacco use has a significant impact on heart health but can be challenging. Programs such as the nicotine cessation program offered by St. Joseph’s/Candler provide support for those seeking to quit (https://www.sjchs.org/services/service-list/center-for-medication-management/tobacco-cessation-program). Avoiding secondhand smoke is also important.
In subsequent weeks, recommendations include reducing fat intake (week three), limiting saturated and trans fats (week four), improving cholesterol levels through diet (week five), eating less salt (week six), increasing fiber consumption (week seven), managing stress (week eight), becoming an informed grocery shopper (week nine), trying new activities (week ten), making healthy choices when dining out (week eleven), and consistently eating breakfast (week twelve).
St. Joseph’s/Candler is a faith-based, not-for-profit health system that provides care across more than 30 counties in southeast Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry according to its official website. The organization offers specialized services in areas such as cancer care, heart health, women’s services, neurosciences, and advanced surgical procedures (source). Its legacy includes Georgia’s earliest hospital and it continues to focus on community wellness programs (source).
The health system operates facilities like St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital (source). It has also received recognition for nursing excellence through Magnet status (source).
St. Joseph’s/Candler extends its mission by supporting community health through outreach programs addressing local needs (source) while maintaining a commitment to compassionate healthcare guided by faith (source).
