Heart health

Dr. Paul McGaha, Regional Director of State Health Services discusses "Heart Month" in February with Kaci.  

How prevalent is heart disease?
·         Claims more than 865,000 American lives a year
·         Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s number one killer
What are the warning signs to look for in case of heart disease?
·         Heart attack warning signs
·             Chest discomfort-
·             Discomfort in other areas of the body
·            Shortness of breath
·             Other symptoms including cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness
·             Stroke Warning signs
·            Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
·            Sudden confusion, trouble speaking/ understanding
·            Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
·           Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
·            Sudden severe headache with no known cause
·            Cardiac Arrest warning signs
·             Sudden loss of responsiveness
·             No normal breathing
What are ways that we can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke?
·         8 ways
·         Prevent and control high blood cholesterol
·         Prevent and control high blood pressure
·         Prevent and control diabetes
·         No tobacco
·         Moderate alcohol use
·         Maintain a healthy weight
·         Regular physical activity
·         Diet and nutrition
What resources are available to the community to learn more about heart disease?
·         Fit city challenge
·         Mayors 10 in 10 challenge
·         Gospel aerobics- Glass recreation
·         Zumba- Glass recreation
·         1 -800 -242- 8721