February is Heart Health Month - Sponsored by The American Heart Association
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.
Heart disease includes numerous problems such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems. Heart disease can cause heart attack or stroke. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. But there’s good news! Heart disease can be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage conditions. You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. To reduce your risk: -Watch your weight -Quit smoking -Control cholesterol and blood pressure -If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation -Get active -Eat a healthy diet For more information, visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or talk to your health care team at River Valley Health and Dental Center!
Warning Signs of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Cardiac Arrest Heart Attack Warning Signs: -Chest discomfort -Discomfort in other areas of upper body -Shortness of breath Stroke Warning Signs: Spot a stroke F.A.S.T. -Face drooping -Arm weakness -Speech difficulty -Time to call 9-1-1 Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs: -Sudden loss of responsiveness -No normal breathing IF THESE SIGNS ARE PRESENT, CALL 9-1-1
Support Go Red For Women by wearing red to celebrate Hearth Health Month. Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. Fortunately we can change that because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action. Wearing red encourages us to make the time to take control of our health. GoRedGetFit Heart disease remains a leading cause of death among women. Prevention and cure of heart disease, stroke and its risk factors can be attained through regular physical activity and nutrition. Learn about the American Heart Association and Macy's #GoRedGetFit Facebook challenge at GoRedForWomen.org/GoRedGetFit as a tool to support women's heart and brain health. Knowing Your Family History Can Save Your Life Go Red For Women encourages women to look deeply into their family health history. The information you find out can give you an early heads up that might save your life. The more information you can collect will help your doctor be on the lookout for early signs of the same diseases in yourself and in your own children. Equipped with this vital information, you and your doctor can begin taking steps to prevent and manage the same ailments that might have shortened the lives of previous generations in your family. Educate and Advocate for Heart Disease Prevention Heart disease in women requires more attention, more research and swifter action. That's why, from hitting the books to taking it to the Hill, Go Red for Women provides many opportunities for women everywhere to learn the facts about heart disease. Knowledge is power, and when you have all of the facts you can become an activist, advocate and educator to spread the word and inspire others to make heart health a No. 1 priority.