David Morris, Executive Director for the American Heart and American Stroke Associations Delaware, gave us marching orders for the new year to have a healthier cardiovascular system! We discussed the importance of heart health, for immediate well being and to prevent disease and disability later, and the relationship of cardiovascular health with other ailments, including diabetes, renal disease and even dementia. He spoke on the importance of women learning the signs of heart attack and heart disease; it’s their number 1 cause of death and 1 in 3 will experience a cardio event. He noted that not only are their symptoms different, their care immediately after a heart incident is often less than for men. He also noted that women who see female physicians are more likely to have their disease addressed, yet women only make up 17% of their ranks. Toward that he discussed upcoming events, including a Statewide STEM Goes Red for 9th and 10th grade girls. With only one in 4 STEM related jobs being held by women, this event on March 19th at the Dover Downs Hotel will encourage girls to go into the science fields. The Go Red for Women movement continues, with informative and fun luncheons March 20 at Dover Downs Hotel and May 16th at DuPont Country Club. February is Heart Month and he asked us to ‘Go Red’ for awareness and help with their big fundraiser, the Wilmington Heart and Stroke Ball on February 23. He discussed ongoing campaigns and initiatives, including CPR in schools – Delaware was the fifth state to require all student know hands-only CPR as a High School graduation requirement – and their work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware. He also discussed their efforts to require a water, milk or fruit juice option over a sugary drink on children’s fast food menus and the T21 bill ,asking the state legislature to raise the age to 21 for the purchase of tobacco products. He also noted that vape products, marketed toward teens, are a growing health danger.
To volunteer, to donate or to learn more about heart healthy diet exercise, go to Heart.org/Delaware or follow them on social media at AHADelaware.