Be Active for Your Heart!
Courtesy of Indian Health Service; National Institutes of Health; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Strength, wisdom and good health are American Indian birthrights. Our elders taught us many healthy ways that were practiced for many generations. Over time, some healthy traditions have been traded for unhealthy ways that increase the chances of getting some diseases.
Be active. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American Indians and Alaska Natives today. We can do something to prevent heart disease. Being active is one way to keep a healthy heart.
Being active has always been part of our daily life. We hunt animals, play games, dance, run, swim and ride bikes. Let us keep these healthy ways. At work or at home - give your heart a workout!
Brisk walking can help everyone both young and old. Take a brisk walk for at least 30 minutes each day, alone or with your family. Start slowly and build up as you go along by walking longer and farther. Walking is an easy way to stay active.
Staying active is one of the best things we can do for our hearts. Being active helps you:
• Take off extra weight
• Lower high blood pressure and high blood sugar
• Relax and sleep better
• Have more energy to be more active
• Strengthen your heart and lungs
• Feel more comfortable
Enjoy being active - it’s part of our healthy traditions!
One way to keep healthy is not to misuse tobacco. Tobacco has always been part of our culture. It is used to show respect and honor, and to seek protection on our daily travels. As a gift of the earth, tobacco should not be abused.
Chewing, dipping and cigarette smoking are not the traditional ways to use tobacco. These ways can lead to a heart attack, cancer and lung problems. If you chew or dip tobacco, your sense of taste and smell is reduced. If you smoke, your loved ones and you are likely to have more colds and coughs. The smoke from cigarettes can hurt the lungs and hearts of smokers and the people around them. If no one in your family smokes, all of you will be less likely to get sick.
If you are not smoking cigarettes, chewing or dipping tobacco, don't start. If you are - QUIT! Go to your local clinic for tips on how to quit. It’s the best thing you can do for your family and yourself. Help clean the air so Mother Earth can breathe.
Celebrate good health! Healthy traditions prepare the hearts of tomorrow. Share this wisdom with your family and others.
