Pilbara Health

A healthy heart beats 70 times a minute, 100,000 times a day, two and a half billion times in a lifetime.

Every time it beats, this incredible organ pumps between 70 and 100ml of blood to the lungs, back to the heart, out to the body and back to the heart again in about 23 seconds, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells and tissues, while removing the waste products of metabolism. Pretty good for something that is only the size of a clenched fist.

It's easy to take your heart for granted but it seems many Australians are unwittingly making its important job harder through poor lifestyle choices.

Sadly heart disease claims the life of one Australian every 10 minutes, and many of the risks can be greatly reduced just by following some simple rules.

• Control your cholesterol by
  • i. decreasing intake of saturated fats;
  • ii. eating more fruit, vegetables & fibre; and
  • iii. avoiding highly processed foods, excess sugar and salt intake.
• Lead an active lifestyle, doing light to moderate exercise for 30 minutes, at least three times a week.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Find ways to de-stress.
• Quit smoking.
• Watch your weight.

Download this month's toobox calendar items on the Pilbara Health website for more handy information on how to prevent heart disease or heart attacks.