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Human Resources Department

HEART 2 Health


Heart Health

The American Heart Association estimates that 7.2 million Americans are at increased risk of heart attack. While it's impossible to actually predict who will have a heart attack, the presence of certain genetic and lifestyle factors may increase your risk.

Whether you're at risk for heart disease or you want to prevent it altogether, you can keep your heart healthy by eating a balanced low-fit diet, getting regular physical activity, not smoking, taking aspirin therapy upon the advice of your doctor, and managing daily stress.

Employee Health & Fitness Program

  • HEAR2T Check – complete an on-line health questionnaire to determine your risk of disease
  • HEAR2TCheck Clinic – FREE heart health screenings!
  • HEAR2T Counseling – confidential heart health counseling with nurse and dietitian to lower heart risks.

Community Education Programs & Services in San Mateo County

Your Health Plan

On-line Program & Services (available at a click of your mouse!)

Getting Active

Physical activity (and exercise) is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Not only does physical activity make you look and feel better, but it is also critical for improving your health and extending your life. Being active significantly reduces your chances of developing potentially fatal illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. In addition, remaining active throughout your life can help you stay healthy and disability-free as you age.

Employee Health & Fitness Program

Community Education Programs & Services in San Mateo County

  • Local Health Clubs - check out their County discounts!
  • Local Parks & Recreation Departments - visit your city's website

Also, see services listed under "HEART Health"

Your Health Plans

Also, see services listed under "HEART Health"

On-line Program & Services (available at a click of your mouse!)

Losing Weight

Next to smoking, your weight is the greatest measure of what sort of long-term health risks you may face. Lowering your weight, quite simply, means lowering your risks for future health problems. Most people can control their weight by being mindful of the amount and type of food they eat and by getting regular physical activity.

Employee Health & Fitness Program

Community Education Programs & Services in San Mateo County

Your Health Plans

Also, see services listed under "HEART Health"

On-line Program & Services (available at a click of your mouse!)

Lowering Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the tension or force that is placed on the inside walls of arteries to keep blood flowing through the body. When someone has high blood pressure, the heart is forced to work harder than normal. Over time, the heart's pumping efficiency decreases, thereby increasing the likelihood of a stroke, heart attack or aneurysm.

Because high blood pressure is a risk factor for so many forms of heart disease, it's important to get it under control. . Lifestyle and nutrition changes can lower blood pressure. Often, however, antihypertensive medication is required.

Employee Health & Fitness Program

Community Education Programs & Services in San Mateo County

Also, see services listed under "HEART Health"

Your Health Plan

Also, see services listed under "HEART Health"

On-line Program & Services (available at a click of your mouse!)

Also, see services listed under "HEART Health"

Lowering Cholesterol

Cholesterol is essential for human life. It builds and repairs cells, produces hormones, helps to digest food, and is found in large amounts in brain and nerve tissue. The body produces enough cholesterol to satisfy these necessary, vital functions.

What we eat also significantly influences cholesterol production. Eating saturated fat stimulates the liver to produce more cholesterol, thereby increasing the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

For many people being lean and physically active and consuming a plant-based diet will keep cholesterol and triglyceride levels "at goal". The current dietary recommendations for "healthy" individuals limit total fat intake to 30 percent or less, saturated fat to less than 10 percent of calorie intake and cholesterol to less than 300 mg per day. There are stricter guidelines for those who have high cholesterol.

Employee Health & Fitness Program

Community Education Programs & Services in San Mateo County

Also see services listed under "HEART Health"

Your Health Plan

Also, see services listed under "HEART Health"

On-line Program & Services (available at a click of your mouse!)

Also, see services listed under "HEART Health"

Managing Stress

Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment. It affects us both physically and emotionally. As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression. Research has documented the powerful relationship between emotional distress and future heart problems.

It's impossible to completely eliminate stress. Instead, learn to manage stress so that you have control over it and its effects on your physical health and mental well-being.

Employee Health & Fitness Program

  • MHN Employee Assistance Program - MHN's network of licensed counselors can help you identify and resolve issues including: stress and emotional distress. The services are confidential and the cost for the initial four visits is covered by the county (1 800 826-4690).
  • Studies have proven that the physiological and psychological effects of stress can be reduced through regular physical activity. See services listed under "Getting Active" for more ideas!

Also, see services listed under "HEART Health"

Community Education Programs & Services in San Mateo County

  • Stress Management Resource Guide (PDF) – coming soon!
  • Local Health Clubs - check out their County discounts!

Your Health Plans

On-line Programs & Services (available at the click of your mouse!)