Heart Health presentation at Cub Center

To recognize Heart Month, the Olney Senior Cub Center invited Michelle Atwood and guest speaker Ashley Graves from Beyond Faith Homecare & Rehab of Graham to discuss how to maintain a healthy heart.

Ms. Graves, a registered nurse, focused on managing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, as well as lifestyle changes that people can make to improve heart health.

She discussed blood pressure readings -- what the numbers mean, blood pressure ranges, and how blood flows through the body.

She talked about the importance of taking blood pressure medication as prescribed, and how to easily manage prescriptions..

Ms. Graves also touched on how diet affects blood pressure, and the elements of a hearthealthy diet. The American Heart Association recommends a diet that is rich in fruits and veggies, whole grains, low fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legums, and non-tropical vegetable oils..

The American Heart Association limiting alcohol intake, enjoying regular physical activity and reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

Quitting smoking -- or not starting -- is an important factor in lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss and sexual dysfunction, the AHA said.

“The program was highly informative and answered many questions,” Cub Center activities director Candy Blair said.