American Heart Month: Prevention of Heart Disease
Cross post from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City
What do you know about heart disease? Or stroke? Should you know more? The answer is yes.
The month of February, American Heart Month, is coming to an close but there is no end to your opportunity to focus on your health and wellness. This month we have taken time to provide widespread education about heart disease and stroke, but also to help spread awareness of the importance of heart health.
We are all impacted by heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all Americans. It accounts for $1 out of every $6 spent on health care. And heart disease and stroke cost the nations billions in health care costs and lost economic productivity.
What is the impact of heart disease in the United States?
2,200 people in the US die from heart disease each day. This is 800,000 people each year (150,000 are under 65)
1 in 4 deaths in the United States is due to heart disease
1 in 3 people (80 Million) in the United States have some form of heart disease, which can include severe chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke
Heart disease and stroke cost the nation $444 billion/year in health care costs and lost economic productivity.
What can you do to help?
Prevent heart disease and stroke in your families by understanding the risks.
Know your ABCS—Appropriate Aspirin Therapy, Blood Pressure Control, Cholesterol Control, Smoking Cessation.
Get up and get active.
Fuel your body by eating a heart-healthy diet, high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol
Take control of your heart health by following your doctor’s instructions for medications and treatment.
As part of the efforts to reduce the impact of heart disease, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City offers the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program. This program is designed to help participants with hypertension (high blood pressure) lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education seminars, activity and personalized support. For more information about the program please contact LaTasha James at LaTashaJames@KansasCityYMCA.org or 816.285.9622.
