Page 15 - Sun Rays_February 2016

February is Heart Month CA NEWS

Submitted by Sandy Kienitz, FEBRUARY 2016 SUNRAYS | 13
Emergency Management Committee

February is American Heart Month. National
Wear Red Day is on Friday, February 5. On
this day, people are encouraged to wear red
to help raise awareness about heart disease
in women.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women
in the United States. In 2013, nearly 801,000 people in the
U.S. died from heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular
diseases – that’s about one of every three deaths. Each day
2,200 Americans die from these diseases.

Cardiovascular disease can be influenced by certain predeter-
mined circumstances, which are divided into two categories:
major and contributing. Major risk factors, such as obesity,
diabetes, alcohol use and family history, have been scientifically
proven to increase your risk of heart disease. Contributing risk
factors, such as stress and alcohol consumption, may lead to
an increased risk of heart disease.

The American Heart Association tracks seven key health

factors and behaviors that increase risks for heart disease
and stroke. Their recommendations to combat these risks are

known as “Life’s Simple 7”:

- Stop Smoking - Healthy Weight

- Get Active - Manage Blood Pressure
(30 minutes a day) - Control Cholesterol
- Reduce Blood Sugar
- Balanced Diet

In 2011, the American Heart Association made it their goal to
improve cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent
and reduce deaths by 20 percent by the year 2020. By taking
steps to address risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle,
you can contribute to that goal while reducing your odds of
developing cardiovascular problems.

Know the signs of a heart attack and act imme-
diately. Common symptoms include:

- Heavy pressure or sharp chest pain

- Pain in the back, neck or jaw

- Severe shortness of breath

- Heartburn, nausea or vomiting

- Extreme fatigue, dizziness, cold or sweating.

If you have or witness the symptoms of a heart attack, call
9-1-1 immediately.

CPR/AED classes are offered monthly in Sun City. Check
the Sun City Texas website by typing “CPR/AED” in the
Search Box at the bottom of the page. Classes are also
listed in the CA Communicator.

(Source: “2016 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update”
by AHA; CDC; NIH)

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG