Have a Healthy Heart

Heart disease is very common, but often people do not know they have it. It can cause a heart attack, a stroke, or kidney failure. The good news is that there are things you can do to help prevent heart disease. Or if you have heart disease, you can treat the problem before it gets worse. Read the tips below to find out how you can have a strong and healthy heart.

See your doctor for a checkup. This is important even if you feel well. Ask your doctor about your risk for heart disease. If you need help finding a doctor, we can help.  Visit our Provider Directory to find a Keystone Mercy doctor near you, or call Member Services at 1-800-521-6860 to help you find a Keystone Mercy doctor.

Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting can cut your risk of heart disease in half. Ask your doctor for help.  You can also join Keystone Mercy's Tobacco Cessation Program (how to quit smoking), please call Member Services at 1-800-521-6860.

Exercise 3 to 4 times a week. Exercise, like walking, will make your heart stronger. But start slowly if you haven't exercised in a while.

Eat healthy foods. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Try not to eat foods that have a lot of fat, like whole milk, red meat, and potato chips.  Keystone Mercy's Rate Your Plate Guide will help you shape up your diet and eat healthy!

If these steps seem like big changes, remember, they also give you big results—a healthier you. 

What is your risk for heart disease?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have high blood pressure?

• Do I have high cholesterol?

• Do I smoke?

• Am I overweight?

• Do I exercise less than 3 times a week?

• Has someone in my family had heart disease? 

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you have a greater risk of having heart disease. Be sure to visit your doctor to have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. You and your doctor can work together so that you can have a healthy heart.