Be Proactive Against Heart Disease

Discover some key changes you can make to your current lifestyle to prevent heart disease.

The goal of our Brandon, FL, primary care physicians, Drs. Joel & Elizabeth Biggers, is to help patients lead long, healthy lives that support good general health. With heart disease being incredibly common in both American men and women, it’s important that everyone understands what lifestyle factors play a role in their heart health and how they can change them for the better. Here are some ways to prevent heart disease,

Make Healthier Lifestyle Choices

There are many factors that can predispose you to heart disease. Fortunately, just by making heart-healthy habits, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing the condition. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Those who are overweight or obese are more likely to deal with heart disease. If you are overweight or having trouble losing weight talk with our Brandon, FL, doctors to find out ways to safely but effectively shed those unwanted pounds. Even just losing 10-15 pounds can improve heart health.
     
  • Choose heart-healthy foods: Your diet has a significant influence on your health. It’s important that your body is receiving the vital nutrients it needs through healthy, whole foods. Avoid packaged and processed foods, as well as foods high in sodium, cholesterol, trans fat, and sugar. If you do drink alcohol do so in moderation, as drinking too much alcohol can elevate your blood pressure.
     
  • Exercise regularly: Exercising most days of the week will not only go a long way to helping you maintain a healthy weight, but it can also improve your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. It’s recommended that all adults receive around 2 and a half hours of moderately intense exercise every week, while children and teens should receive about one hour of exercise each day.

Get Health Conditions Under Control

Another way that you can take charge of your health is to know your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. All of these can affect the health of your heart. While you can monitor blood pressure and sugar from the comfort of your own home, you should also visit your primary doctor at least once a year to make sure that your cholesterol and blood pressure are in check. If there is a problem, we can prescribe medication to help improve these conditions to prevent heart complications.

We want you to know that the medical team at Biggers Family Medicine will still be providing medical care during this Covid-19 pandemic. If you are concerned about your health, dealing with an urgent health problem, or if you are worried that you might have coronavirus, please contact our office at (813) 655-4646 to schedule a drive-up appointment.

Contact Us

Please contact our Office at
Office at (813) 655-4646 

Biggers Family Medicine, P.A.

538 Wilbur St
Brandon, FL 33511
Phone: (813) 655-4646
Fax: (855) 366-8430

Office Hours (closed daily noon to 1:00pm for lunch)

Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: By Appointment Only
Sunday: Closed

Lab Hours (closed daily noon to 1:30pm for lunch)

Monday: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed