February is National Heart Health Month and David Morris, Executive Director of the American Heart and Stroke Association of Delaware discussed their efforts to defeat the leading cause of death for men and women in the US – with Stroke not far behind at #5!
He explained that while we do have a family history to consider, 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable. He spoke of the dangers, heart attack, stroke, and other diseases and noted that most cardiac events can be prevented with education and simple lifestyle modification. After a pandemic where we skipped regular visits to the doctor and exercise and developed bad eating habits, he asked that we lose excess body weight, quit smoking or tobacco use, get active, focus on healthy food and limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women, two for men – and try red wine over beer and cocktails!
He pointed out that women are at higher risk, whether through neglecting their own care, but also through pregnancy and menopause. See your physician and learn your numbers, blood pressure and cholesterol, and he stresses, get checked six months after giving birth.
He asks everyone to learn Hands Only CPR, it can save a life!
The American Heart and Stroke Association offer classes in CPR, tips on healthy eating and fitness, programs that address nutrition insecurity, speakers and educational information. Find out more at Heart.org/Delaware
or follow them on social media #AHADelaware