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February Is American Heart Month...

 

 

Public is encouraged to learn about heart health and take action!

 

(MILWAUKEE) – The President of the United States has once again proclaimed February, “American Heart Month,”keeping a tradition which dates back to 1963.  During this month, all Americans are urged to join the fight against our nation’s #1 killer – major cardiovascular disease, including stroke.  The American Heart Association takes this special opportunity to educate the public about the vital role living a healthy lifestyle plays in preventing heart disease and stroke. Awareness campaigns will also focus on recognizing the symptoms of heart attack and stroke and how to take action, as well as, learning Hands-Only CPR™.

 

About Cardiovascular Disease:

Cardiovascular disease affects one in three adults – an estimated 80.7 million Americans. It kills one American every 37 seconds, or 2,400 people every single day. In fact, cardiovascular disease claims more lives than the next four causes of death combined – cancer, respiratory disease, accidents and diabetes.

 

How does the American Heart Association Fight Cardiovascular Disease?

The American Heart Association is second only to the Federal Government in funding of heart and stroke research.  In fact, over the past five years, the Association has spent nearly $14 million funding 128 new research studies in the state of Wisconsin alone.

 

Our Quality Improvement programs ensure that every heart disease and stroke patient gets the most effective treatment as quickly as possible.  The You’re The Cure network helps volunteers connect with lawmakers and advocate for heart-healthy legislation.  Our Health Equity work reaches diverse and underserved communities with cultural sensitive awareness and education messages.  Go Red For Women® focuses on educating women about their #1 killer – heart disease.  The American Heart Association releases new CPR guidelines every five years and trains millions in the lifesaving technique every year.  Youth Market events such as Jump Rope For Heart (celebrating 35 years) encourage children to develop healthy habits to last a lifetime.  Events such as Heart Walk and HeartChase!encourage physical activity.

 

 

 

About Cardiovascular Health:

The American Heart Association has set an aggressive goal to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by another 20 percent – all by the year 2020.

 

Also, the association has defined ideal cardiovascular health, introducing an online resource, My Life Check. This resource can be found at www.MyLIfeCheck.org. This important tool helps individuals easily identify seven steps to achieving ideal health and notes where each person is on the spectrum. But it doesn’t stop there. It also helps them develop a plan to improve overall health.

 

 

About Heart Attacks and Strokes:

It is important for the public to recognize the signs of heart attacks and strokes. Although the following is a summary, not all of these signs occur in every attack. If an individual notices one or more of these signs, the American Heart Association encourages them to seek medical attention immediately.

 

 

 

For More Information:

To learn more about American Heart Month or the American Heart Association and its lifesaving mission “to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” please log on to www.heart.org/milwaukee.

 

Life’s Simple Seven”,

 

1. Quit Smoking

2. Exercise Regularly

3. Eat a Healthier Diet

4. Maintain a Health BMI (Body Mass Index)

5. Regulate Blood Pressure

6. Control Cholesterol

7. Reduce Fasting Blood Sugar

 

 

Heart Attack Warning Signs:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes.

• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms.

• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.

               

Stroke Warning Signs:

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body.

• Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.

• Loss of speech, or trouble talking or understanding speech.

• Sudden, severe headaches with no apparent cause.

• Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or falls, especially with any other symptoms.

 

 

 

 

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