Prevention and Wellness

In an effort to prevent heart disease, Our Lady of the Lake is partnering with the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association to bring the "My Heart, My Life" program to our patients, guests, team members, and the community. The initiative includes onsite walking paths, teaching gardens, a heart walk, and other healthy initiatves that will be implemented during the first year of the program.

Other preventive measures to help maintain good heart health include:

• Sleep - Get at least eight hours of sleep every night.
• Healthy diet - Eat a healthy balanced diet.
• Exercise - The American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine recommends the following guidelines for healthy adults under age 65:
  • Do moderately intense cardio 30 minutes a day, five days a week or vigorously intense cardio 20 minutes a day, three days a week.
  • Do eight to 10 strength-training exercises (eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise) twice a week.
  • Moderate-intensity physical activity means working hard enough to raise your heart rate and break a sweat, yet still being able to carry on a conversation. It should be noted that to lose weight or maintain weight loss, 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity may be necessary. The 30-minute recommendation is for the average healthy adult to maintain health and reduce the risk for chronic disease.
• Maintain a healthy weight - Obesity is one of the main factors that leads to heart problems. Learn how you can lose weight and enhance your quality of life through Lake Weight Solutions and how you can get moving with Lake Health Center.
• Smoking cessation - Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to ensure heart health. For more information on our smoking cessation program, contact Chrishelle Stipe at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (225-215-1274).

The Heart Center team participates in and leads initiatives to educate the community on heart wellness, including Our Lady of the Lake-hosted seminars, the Life After 50 Expo in Baton Rouge, and wellness days for men and women at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Learn more about American College of Sports Medicine's guidelines and how to make physical activity a regular part of your life.

The American Heart Association offers tips on how to achieve excellence in these and other heart health-specific areas.

If you are at risk for heart issues or stroke, it's important that you consult a doctor to determine your best plan of care for a healthy life. Find a cardiologist or neurologist today.