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Heart-Healthy Resources

Take care of yourself with a heart-healthy lifestyle

Heart disease is responsible for 1 of every 5 deaths in United States, making it the number one killer in the country. Take time to prioritize your health and happiness this February with a variety of resources available at Carolina to help you live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

  • Know your numbers. Get a quick Wellness Check at the UNC Employee Total WellBeing Expo on March 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Gym A of Fetzer Hall and learn your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose (or A1c) and body composition in just 15-minutes. Appointments encouraged but not required. Open to State Health Plan members with code UNC2023. Proof of State Health Plan insurance required at time of screening.
  • Be active. Campus Recreation offers many fitness opportunities, including free on-demand fitness classes, group fitness semester passes and an affordable employee membership for just $12.50 a month. Strive for five 30-minute moderate exercise and two days of strength training each week at home, outdoors or at your favorite gym.
  • Eat smart. Learn how to eat a healthier diet in the Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less online weight management program. This 15-week series is offered at no cost to you with code GNC2023. A variety of evening sessions are available to choose from starting Monday, Feb. 6. If you’re looking for a more personalized nutrition plan, State Health Plan members ages 6 and older can enjoy nutrition with an in-network dietitian in an office, urgent care, outpatient facility or virtually at no cost.
  • Manage stress in a healthy way. Focus on positive self-talk and take mediation breaks. Participate in 15-30-minute live, virtual mediation sessions offered throughout the week. Choose from Mindful Mondays, Mindfulness & Self-Compassion, and Inhale Positivity sessions held Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays each week.
  • Sleep! Prioritize sleep in your day. Strive for at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Learn more about the importance of sleep as an essential component of health and well-being.
  • If you smoke, quit or reduce how much you smoke. Not using tobacco is the best thing you can do for your heart and overall health. In-person counseling is available through your primary care provider or behavioral therapist for all State Health Plan members. Both the 70/30 and 80/20 plans cover a variety of nicotine replacement therapy patches, gum and lozenges. Learn how to increase your quit success at the UNC Tobacco Treatment Program. Make this year, the year you become nicotine-free.
  • Smile often. Smiling relieves stress and can improve your overall mood and the mood of those around you. Learn how using kindness can help us achieve personal success and happiness.

Stay aware of your health and don’t ignore signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Call 911 immediately!

 

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