Healthy Living from Jeffco Open Space & Jeffco Public Health

Candy Heart, or Healthy Heart?

This Valentine’s Day, instead of reaching for the box of chocolates, reach for your tennis shoes. Jefferson County Public Health and their partners recently completed a comprehensive health assessment and it revealed that cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in Jefferson County. Heart disease and stroke are the most common types of cardiovascular disease. However, heart disease can often be prevented. Addressing known risk factors such as tobacco use, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and inactive lifestyle can greatly reduce risks for illness and death from heart disease.

Jeffco Open Space partners with Jefferson County Public Health to promote healthy living. Jeffco Open Space provides the perfect solution to tackle one of the biggest contributors to heart disease: inactivity. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, inactive people are nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease as people who are physically active. The good news is that to reduce the risk of heart disease, adults only need about 30 minutes of moderate activity every day. Physical activity, especially aerobic activity, is good for your heart. It strengthens your heart and reduces coronary heart disease risk factors, lowers blood pressure, boosts levels of good cholesterol, improves your body's ability to manage blood sugar and insulin levels, and helps you maintain a healthy weight (Source: American Heart Association).

Studies show that for every hour of walking, life expectancy may increase by two hours, even if you don't start being physically active until middle age (AHA). It’s not too late to get and out start walking or hiking in Jeffco Open Space!

Friday, February 7, 2014 is National Wear Red Day. Wearing something red on February 7, is a simple, powerful way to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke. Jefferson County employees will be wearing red that day to show their support of the cause.

Jeffco Parks is comprised of Jeffco Open Space, the Fairgrounds, CSU Extension, Boettcher Mansion and Weed and Pest. Open Space, the largest division, was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972 and preserves natural and cultural resources, provides quality outdoor recreation experiences and promotes sound environmental stewardship. Jeffco Open Space is funded with a one-half cent sales tax that has protected over 52,000 acres and created 28 regional parks and 227 miles of trails in Jefferson County.

Contact:
Thea Rock, Communications Manager
303-271-5902,