Put Your Heart First This Red Feb with a Healthy Heart Checkup

Every February, Red Feb shines a spotlight on heart health across Australia. This national campaign encourages everyone to take heart disease and stroke seriously by focusing on prevention, early detection, and management. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death, but many risk factors can be controlled with the right knowledge and action. This Red Feb, Health Watch Australia invites you to put your heart first by booking a Healthy Heart checkup at one of our clinics at either our Oakleigh or Beaumaris locations.

Why Heart Health Matters

Heart disease and stroke affect millions of Australians, yet many people underestimate their personal risk. Factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, lack of physical activity, and poor diet all increase the chance of developing cardiovascular problems. These risks often build quietly over time, without obvious symptoms until a serious event occurs.

Taking steps to monitor and manage these risk factors can save lives. A Healthy Heart checkup helps identify potential issues early, allowing you to make lifestyle changes or start treatments before problems escalate. This proactive approach can reduce the chance of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications.

What Happens During a Healthy Heart Checkup

A Healthy Heart checkup is a simple, thorough assessment designed to evaluate your cardiovascular risk. At our clinics, the checkup includes:

• Measuring blood pressure to detect hypertension

• Testing cholesterol levels through a blood sample

• Checking blood sugar levels to screen for diabetes

• Discussing smoking habits and offering support to quit

• Reviewing physical activity levels and diet

• Assessing family history and other risk factors

  
  

Our healthcare professionals use this information to provide personalized advice and recommend follow-up care if needed. The goal is to empower you with clear steps to improve your heart health.

How Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce Your Risk

Small changes in daily habits can have a big impact on heart health. Here are some practical ways to lower your cardiovascular risk:

• Manage blood pressure by reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol, and following prescribed medications.

• Improve cholesterol levels by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts.

• Control blood sugar through balanced meals and regular exercise to prevent or manage diabetes.

• Quit smoking with support from healthcare providers, nicotine replacement, or counseling.

• Increase physical activity by aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, such as walking, cycling, or swimming.

• Maintain a healthy weight by combining diet and exercise to reduce strain on your heart.

  
  

These changes not only protect your heart but also improve overall well-being and energy levels.

Supporting Heart Health Conversations in Our Community

At Health Watch Australia clinics, we encourage open conversations about heart health between patients and staff. Talking about risk factors and health goals helps build awareness and motivation. Our teams in Oakleigh and Beaumaris are ready to support you with information, screenings, and follow-up care.

Regular health checks are vital, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors. Early detection means better outcomes and fewer complications.

How to Book Your Healthy Heart Checkup

This Red Feb, take the opportunity to prioritize your heart health. Booking a Healthy Heart checkup is easy:

• Call Oakleigh clinic at 9568 7377

• Call Beaumaris clinic at 9584 4444

• Or book online through Hot Doc for a convenient appointment time

  
  

Putting your heart first means making time for these important checks. Prevention and early action can make a lasting difference.