This month of February is recognized as American Heart Month and this month targets heart disease and heart health awareness. In addition, the first Friday of this month is also recognized by wearing red to increase awareness of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the greatest threat to Americans and is still the leading cause of deaths worldwide. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), CVD contributed to 928, 741 deaths in 2020. CVD disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as those who live in underserved regions, the uninsured and people of color. CVD is a class of diseases which includes the structure of the heart, blood vessels and/or arteries such as:
- Hypertensive heart disease or hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack
- Atherosclerosis-plaque in the blood vessels
- Arteriosclerosis- narrowing of the blood vessels
Risk factors associated with CVD range from:
- African American (AA) ethnicity
- Female gender
- Obesity
- Sedentary (inactive) lifestyle
- Smoking
- Consuming a diet high in sodium or saturated fats
It is important to eliminate modifiable risk factors, or risk factors that can be changed, such as smoking, obesity and avoiding excessive salt or saturated fats.
Furthermore, Damar Hamlin has joined the American Heart Association spotlighting and encouraging the community to learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) #3forHeart. Although Damar is a young, physically fit and muscular athlete, and an active National Football League (NFL) player with the Buffalo Bills, he suffered cardiac arrest on the football field during the playoffs, on January 2, 2023 and was resuscitated by prompt Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) workers. Damar’s story has propelled the NFL to offer free CPR training during Super Bowl Week.
Please engage and encourage your family members and loved ones to lose weight, cease smoking and include healthy foods in their diet. Suggest exercising together, host a family dinner and encourage the exchange of healthy foods. Try growing your own herbs, baking chicken or fish as opposed to frying. Attend a doctor’s appointment with a loved one and learn CPR!! It could save a life! It saved Damar Hamlin’s life!
References:
American Heart Association (AHA) (2023). 2023 Heart disease and stroke statistics update fact sheet. Retrieved from www.heart.org
Resource tools:
#3forHeart #hearthealth #heartmonth #healthyhearts #americanheartassociation #CPR
Dr. Kia Prescott, DNP, APRN WHNP-BC
Healthcare Staffing Consultant
The Remas Staffing Company, LLC
877-844-6489 M: 786-281-1177
980 N Federal Hwy Suite 110
Boca Raton, FL 33432
http://www.remasstaffing.com
2 comments
Bella
April 4, 2023 at 2:47 am
Good information. Thank you
Even
April 4, 2023 at 2:49 am
Very informative