Trivia question – what is the world’s leading cause of death?
. . . . .
Answer: Heart Disease
Globally, nationally, and statewide – heart disease claims more lives than and other illness.
According to the World Health Organization, it accounts for 13% of worldwide deaths each year and continues to rise in numbers faster than any other disease.
In the United States, heart disease annually kills over 700,00 people.
Statewide, it accounts for 1/3 of overall deaths, totaling more than 165,000 years of potential lost life.
This is sad news. Sadder news? The Georgia Department of Health calls most of these deaths “premature” and “preventable.”
Cardiovascular disease includes all diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.
Key risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking – about half of all Americans have at least one of the three.
Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, such as diabetes, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.
Friday, February 7 was Wear Red Day, designed to raise awareness of the dangers of heart disease and showcase how small, heart-healthy actions each day can lead to extraordinary results in protecting the heart.
To prevent cardiovascular disease, maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, physical activity, abstinence from tobacco use, and adherence to prescribed medications. Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks can help catch abnormalities early.
Through statewide partnerships with local health departments and hospitals, the DPH is helping Georgians live a heart-healthy life by promoting evidence-based approaches to controlling CVD, commonly referred to as the ABCDE’S of heart health:
A – Aspirin, when appropriate
B – Blood Pressure Control
C – Cholesterol Management
D – Diabetes Management
E – Exercise
S – Smoking Cessation
To help prevent cardiovascular disease, the Department of Public Health recommends the following:
~ Knowing and controling your blood pressure
~ Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity each day (this can be broken into 5 to 10-minute bouts)
~ Self-manage your diabetes
~ Know and control your cholesterol and triglyceride levels
~ Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
~ Choose lean meats rather than red meat
~ Reduce your sodium intake
~ Choose not to use tobacco products
~ Maintain a healthy weight
~ Limit alcohol consumption
For the ladies, the Washington County Regional Medical Center is soon hosting their 3rd annual Red Dress Luncheon, a special event dedicated to women’s heart health.
It will be held on Saturday, February 22 at 12:00 p.m. in the Twin City Country Club. This is a free event, but registration is required. RSVP by Wednesday, February 12 by calling 478-552-3989.