David Morris, Ex. Director of the American Heart Association Delaware, shared the results of a recent study of the First State’s health numbers and the news wasn’t good – Delaware residents are smoking more, weigh more, have higher cholesterol levels and higher risk of diabetes than the rest of the country. The good news, through the efforts of the American Heart Association, we can help ourselves become more heart healthy, through diet, exercise and quitting smoking we can improve our numbers. David offered 7 easy tips – ‘Life’s Simple Steps’ to better heart health – stop smoking, know your blood pressure, know your cholesterol, know your blood sugar, watch your weight, add physical activity and eat your ‘colors’ – add vegetables and fruit to your diet. David touted the successes of the American Heart Association – beyond the million dollars in research in Delaware – the smoke free environments, the calorie listings at restaurants, the defibrillators found throughout businesses and shops, as well as the training of all high school seniors in CPR. Delaware can be proud that, thanks to the American Heart Association, 1 in 20 of us knows CPR! The AHA also works with First Responders, hospitals and care givers on responses to cardiovascular crisis for improved survival rates.
One in three women will have a cardiovascular event, one in three of us will die of cardiovascular disease or stroke, battles the American Heart Association fight every day supported by volunteers and donations. David encourages us to do both, and offered fun way to help, including the Go Red for Women (March in the Dover area, May for Wilmington), at the wonderful Heart Ball (February 23 in Wilmington, June 1 in Dover) and at the annual HeartWalks! This year beginning September 9 on the Wilmington Riverfront. Families, supporters, survivor, families and pets can join the 5k walk, sponsored in part by Christiana Care Health System, Delmarva Power, Nemours A.I. duPont Hospital for Children and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Middletown. There will be kids activities, food and lots of entertainment. To register go to HEART.ORG/WILMINGTONWALK.
For tips on how to beat heart disease and stroke and to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and for information about how you can get involved with the American Heart Association visit HEART.ORG