Heart Health Blog Posts from February 2023: Quick Recap
February 27, 2023
By: St. Mary's Health Care System
Categories: Heart Health
In case you missed it...
February is widely recognized as American Heart Month, a time when individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness of heart disease and promote cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. However, the good news is that many forms of heart disease are preventable with simple lifestyle changes and early detection. The month provides an opportunity to learn about the risk factors for heart disease and take steps to improve heart health.
February was designated as American Heart Month in 1963 to raise awareness about the leading cause of death in the United States: heart disease. Heart disease includes a variety of different conditions, all of which negatively affect how well the heart functions. Luckily, for the most part, heart disease is preventable.
Here's a recap of the blog posts we published during Heart Month. Enjoy!
Is It a Heart Attack?
On Oct. 28, 2021, Dr. Joseph Gaines, Chief of Pathology at St. Mary’s Hospital, had no idea he was feeling the first signs of a heart attack. As he had done for more than 30 years, he was at his desk, looking at tissue samples through a microscope to find signs of cancer and other diseases. His mind wasn’t focused on his own health.
National Wear Red Day Raises Awareness of Heart Disease in Women
National Wear Red Day began in 2004 and is supported by the American Heart Association. The national campaign focuses on raising awareness for women’s heart disease and stroke risks. Did you know that cardiovascular disease causes 1 in 3 deaths in women each year, making it the top health related killer in women? But, with the help of proper awareness, education, research, and resources, roughly 87% of all heart issues can be preventable!
Why You Need an Annual Physical
It is important for everyone, regardless of age, to have an annual physical exam. These exams can determine your health status. It is also a great way to identify health issues. When found early, many conditions can be treated before worsening. Annual physicals, sometimes called wellness visits, are also used simply to make sure you are staying healthy.
Understanding the Different Types of Heart Disease
Heart disease. Everyone is familiar with the term, but what does it mean? Heart disease is a condition that can damage the structure or function of the heart. Did you know that heart disease is not just one condition, but a group of different conditions with several root causes?
Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Spring is known as a period where tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and lightning from severe thunderstorms can increase. The Severe Weather Preparedness Week will serve as a notice to review and understand emergency procedures to better prepare for any and all weather-related dangers.
Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate: Is One Healthier than the Other?
Chocolate is a guilty pleasure for many. Because of the wide range of ways we use it – such as hot fudge over sundaes, coating over our favorite fruits, or simply by the bar – chocolate is a go-to favorite. But, did you know that different types of chocolate can be healthier than others?
Top 3 Exercises for Better Heart Health
Physical activity is a good way to build better heart health. It helps strengthen muscle, manage weight and prevent the artery damage that causes heart attacks and strokes. It does all this by helping you control cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. The three types of exercise that are beneficial to promoting heart health are aerobic exercise, resistance training, and stretching/flexibility/balance. Here’s how these three types of exercises can help your heart health.
How to Identify Heart Failure
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition that occurs when the heart does not contract hard enough to pump out as much blood as it should. This can cause blood to back up in the extremities (especially the lower legs) and for fluid to build up in the lungs and make it harder to breathe.
Smoking Cessation for the Heart
Did you know that commercial tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking kills about 480,000 Americans each year, and roughly 1,600 young adults under the age of 18 try their first cigarette and around 200 end up smoking cigarettes every day.
Love Your Heart This February
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition that occurs when the heart does not contract hard enough to pump out as much blood as it should. This can cause blood to back up in the extremities (especially the lower legs) and for fluid to build up in the lungs and make it harder to breathe.
Early Heart Attack Care
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in adults in the United States. Heart attacks can also happen more than once to a person. Almost 50% of Americans do not know the signs of a heart attack and may not recognize the early stages of a heart attack in themselves or others. Early heart attack care can significantly increase a person’s likelihood to live when suffering a heart attack. Early recognition and response save lives.