Heart Disease

On Saturday, April 26, hundreds of people will get together to do their hearts good, and everyone else's hearts, too. This is the 2008 Clark County Start! Heart Walk. Across Kentucky and across the country, the American Heart Association holds walks to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke-and to raise money to fight them. Walkers secure contributions from family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors. These proceeds go to the American Heart Association, which funds scientific research, advocacy in issue areas central to cardiovascular health, and public and professional education.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. Individuals can reduce their risks of developing heart disease by paying attention to their cholesterol level. Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital is offering free cholesterol screenings on Friday, April 18 from 8 to 10 a.m. in the lobby. Appointments are not necessary, but 12-hour fasting is recommended. Cholesterol is a substance that your body needs in small amounts to build cell walls and make certain hormones.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) and the Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force are teaming up to address two of the most serious health concerns in the commonwealth ? heart disease and stroke. Beginning later this month, DPH and the task force will host a series of regional meetings where members of the public can voice their concerns and ideas about preventing heart disease and implementing a statewide action plan. "Heart disease and stroke affect thousands of Kentuckians and pose a major public health problem," said Dr. William Hacker, acting undersecretary for health and DPH commissioner.

February is Heart month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kentucky. More people will die from heart disease in Kentucky in 2008 than from cancer, car accidents or flu. Listed below are ten way to take charge of your heart health. 1. Make a date and keep it. Each year on your birthday, schedule a check-up. Have your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels checked. Ask your doctor to help you reach or maintain a healthy weight. 2. Tune in as you tone up. Add physical activity to your life.

Nearly 21 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately 376,000 Kentuckians have diabetes. Another 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes, a condition that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes increases a person's risk for developing cardiovascular disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, heart disease strikes people with diabetes twice as often as people without diabetes. Also, people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to suffer strokes and then subsequently have reccurrences of a stroke.

Breast cancer may be widely feared among American women, but heart disease poses a greater risk of death for them. According to the American Heart Association, one in two women will eventually die of heart disease ? the No. 1 killer of women over the age of 25 ? compared to one in 25 who will eventually die of breast cancer. Ephraim McDowell Health is observing Friday, Feb. 1, as National Wear Red Day, and encourages all individuals in the community to wear red on that day. "The purpose of National Wear Red Day is to increase the public's awareness of heart disease and the fact that individuals can make lifestyle changes to reduce their risks for this killer disease," said Harry Nickens, spokesperson for Ephraim McDowell Health.

Ephraim McDowell Health is observing Friday as National Wear Red Day and encouraging individuals to wear red on that day. "The purpose of National Wear Red Day is to increase the public's awareness of heart disease and the fact that individuals can make lifestyle changes to reduce their risks for this killer disease," said Harry Nickens, McDowell spokesman. The U.S. Public Health Service on Women's Health said heart disease tends to develop in women 10 to 15 years later than it does in men. Nearly half of women who have a heart attack die within one year after their heart attack while only a third of men do. Generally, heart disease is not prevalent in women until after menopause because estrogen that is produced naturally in pre-menopausal women provides protection against heart disease.

The month of February is American Heart Month and Friday is National Wear Red Day. Heart Disease is the number one killer of American women. It kills one of every three American women. Everyone is encouraged to wear red on Friday to encourage women to take care of their hearts. Cardiovascular disease is mostly preventable, so understanding these serious health threats can make a lifesaving difference. Much research needs to be done on heart disease in women, but there is valuable information available to you now. It's also available for men and children.

In observance of February being American Heart Month, Fort Logan Hospital is offering lipid profiles from Feb. 11-22. This test is available seven days a week beginning at 7 a.m. and will be provided to individuals throughout the day as long as 12-hour fasting has been observed. The test is valued at $70 but will be offered at a special rate of $15 paid at the time of service. This test gives total cholesterol levels, including HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Cholesterol is a leading risk factor for heart disease, which is the number one cause of death among adults in the United States.

Dear Editor, As a dietitian who works with cancer survivors, I have witnessed the lifesaving power of healthy diets. That's why I am appalled that some lawmakers in the U.S. Senate are backing a $288 billion Farm Bill that subsidizes unhealthy foods that increase the risk of cancer, obesity and heart disease. Hundreds of cancer specialists from across the country, as well as the American Medical Association and the President's Cancer Panel, have urged Congress to reform agriculture policies to support and promote healthy foods.