February 2014

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS AMERICAN HEART MONTH

Every journey begins with one step, whether its climbing a mountain or preventing heart disease. This American Heart Month, CDC is offering weekly tips for better heart health. Take your first step on the road to a healthy heart with us. Heart disease is a major problem. Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year thats 1 out of every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The term heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), which occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease can cause heart attack, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, costs the United States $312.6 billion each year. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity. These conditions also are leading causes of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities. The situation is alarming, but there is good newsheart disease is preventable and controllable. We can start by taking small steps every day to bring our loved ones and ourselves closer to heart health. Courtesy of http://www.cdc.gov.

HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS The five major symptoms of a heart attack are: Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back Feeling weak, light headed or faint Chest pain or discomfort Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder Shortness of breath

ONE STEP AT A TIME:

As you begin your journey to better heart health, keep these things in mind: Dont become overwhelmed Every step brings you closer to a healthier heart. Dont go it alone The journey is more fun when you have company. Ask friends and family to join you. Dont get discouraged You may not be able to take all of the steps at one time. Get a good nights sleep and do what you can tomorrow.

Reward yourself Find fun things to do to decrease your stress. Round up some colleagues for a lunchtime walk, join a singing group or have a healthy dinner with family and friends. Courtesy of http://www.cdc.gov.

If you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Courtesy of http://www.cdc.gov

STROKE SIGNS: Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.: Face Drooping Arm Weakness Speech Difficulty Time to call 911.

HEART DISEASE RISK FACTORS

Uncontrollable risk factors:

Male Older age Family history of heart disease Post-menopausal Race (African Americans, American Indians and Mexican Americans are more likely to have heart disease than Caucasians)

If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Courtesy of http://www.heart.org

Controllable risk factors:

HOMETOWN HOSPICE
At Hometown Hospice, we believe everyone with a life-limiting illness has the right to be as pain free & comfortable as possible. Our services are tailored to the patients needs & wishes, empowering them to make choices about their final journey. We have been taking care of families all over Northeastern Oklahoma since 1996. We attribute our success to the experience, dedication, compassion and professionalism of our entire staff. Our caregivers truly have the heart to provide excellent hospice care to patients and their families. Hometown Hospice doesnt strive to the biggest hospice company, but we do strive to be the best.

Smoking High LDL, or bad cholesterol and low HDL, or good cholesterol Uncontrolled hypertension (high-blood pressure) Obesity (more than 20% over ones idea body weight) Uncontrolled diabetes High C-reactive protein Uncontrolled stress and anger

Lowering your risk:

Quit Smoking Improve cholesterol levels Control high blood pressure Control diabetes Get active Eat a healthy diet

Hometown Hospice 2307 S. York Street Muskogee, OK 74403 Phone: 918-681-4440 Toll Free: 866-681-4440

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight

Manage stress Limit alcohol use Exercise regularly Take prescribed medications regularly
Courtesy of http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.webmd.com

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