Partner with Your Pharmacy for a Healthier Heart

February is American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. I’m here to tell you: It doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s work together to make sure your heart keeps on ticking for some time to come.

Get “rewards” for good behavior!

Rewards? You bet. The reward for healthy behaviors is priceless. If you don’t know where to begin, I can help coach you. Here are four fabulous behaviors that can help ensure you don’t become a heart disease statistic.

• Quit smoking. Smoking has declined in the U.S. overall. But in young people, e-cigarette use is on the rise. And tobacco is still the leading preventable cause of death. If you’re a smoker, let’s find a method to help you quit. I can point you to smoking cessation aids in our store. Or your doctor may prescribe a medication to help you quit.
• Stay active. Only about 1 in 5 American adults get enough physical activity to stay healthy. That includes aerobics and muscle strengthening. Don’t know where to start? Let’s find activities you will enjoy and can do in your own home or community. We can discuss other ways to fit more activity into your day. And our store may offer products that will help you meet your goals or monitor your progress.
• Eat healthy. Do you think of food as medicine? If so, you might be on the right track. A recent study found that about 45 percent of deaths from heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes were from poor eating habits. The big culprits? Too much salt, processed meat, and sugar-sweetened drinks. And too few nuts, omega-3 fats, vegetables, and fruits.
• Maintain a healthy weight. The numbers don’t lie. More and more people are becoming obese. Even if your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers look good, obesity can still increase your risk of heart disease. Let’s buck that trend. I can give you some tips and connect you to other resources for extra support.

Know your numbers

High levels of blood cholesterol (a fat-like substance), blood pressure, and blood sugar all contribute to heart disease. You probably already knew that. But you won’t know if you’re at risk unless you keep tabs on these numbers:

• Blood cholesterol. HDL? LDL? Total cholesterol? Not to mention triglycerides? It can all be a bit confusing. Let’s talk over your cholesterol numbers and set some goals. Lifestyle changes can often make a big difference. But statin therapy is sometimes needed to get your numbers into a safer range.
• Blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage both your blood vessels and your heart. Come get your blood pressure checked. Then I can teach you the right way to check your blood pressure at home.
• Blood sugar. If your blood sugar is too high, it can damage your blood vessels and lead to many other problems, including heart attacks. When was the last time you had your blood sugar checked? Let’s make sure we’re doing all we can to keep you healthy.

Work with us

Heart health is a team effort. We can make sure you have access to the best information and resources available. Here’s to a healthier heart for both you and your whole family! 

Transferring your prescriptions is easy, and we offer free local next-day delivery Monday through Friday. You can even order medication refills and communicate with our pharmacists through the RxLocal App!

Almost all of our locations have a drive-thru, and every location offers curbside pickup. We can even bring you over-the-counter products when you come to pick up your prescriptions, so you can get everything you need while staying in the car.

Come visit one of our eight locations throughout the Midlands, give us a call, or ask a question using our online contact form.

You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.