Heart Healthy Hunting
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In the early days of the American Frontier the skin of a male deer was worth a dollar -- which is how we got the term "buck" for a $1 bill
So what does this have to do with heart health? Tens of thousands of camouflage-clad hunters will head for the woods and the shorelines; with bows and shotguns in hand………Some won’t make it back home. An unknown number of hunters die unexpectedly…….
From heart attack and stroke
These heart events are brought on by strenuous exercise and dramatic bursts of activity and excitement from hunting
- Are you a couch potato?
- Do you have a sedentary job?
- Are you overweight?
- Do you have risk factors for heart disease?
- Is your body prepared to go hunting this year?
Do you have any of these risk factors for cardiovascular disease?
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Overweight or obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Family history
- Age
If you answered yes, then protect yourself from heart dangers by doing these things:
- Have a pre-hunt medical physical
- Daily walking routine or other exercise regimen
- Learn CPR
- Know your cardiovascular risk (and your buddies too)
- Listen to your body, know your limitations
- Pack plenty of water, trail mix, nuts and first aid kit
- Carry a means to communicate: cell phone or GMRX (general mobile radio service)
In general, to be heart smart:
- eat less
- eat smart
- move more daily
And if you already have heart or vascular disease:
- Did you ask your Doctor if it was safe for you to hunt?
- Do you take nitroglycerin? Don’t forget to bring it!
If you or a friend start getting short of breath, looking pale, or feeling faint or nauseous – or if they feel sudden pain or lose feeling in any part of their body – get help immediately!!!
Even if that feeling goes away, don’t ignore it!
It could be the warning sign that something worse is about to happen.
Call 911
Every minute you hesitate could mean your buddies life or your own.
Be safe hunters!
