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BRIDGEPORT – According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the second leading cause of death in West Virginia.
Nationally, cardiovascular disease kills nearly 500,000 women each year, many of whom are unaware of the warning signs, contributory causes and best practices recommended to reduce their risk.
To raise women's awareness of heart health in anticipation of the National Heart Association's Friday's "Go Red for Women" Day, Bridgeport's United Hospital Center hosted an information show Thursday morning filled with documents, snacks and health and interactive presentations.
Cheryl Farley, head of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation at UHC, said while it's important to keep heart disease in mind throughout the year, February is referred to as the "Month of the Month". American heart ".
"Feb. 1 Month begins Heart Month, and this year is the first Friday of the month, the day we celebrate Go Red for Women Day – the day reserved each year by the American Heart Association to increase the awareness of women and heart disease says Farley.
West Virginia is consistently ranked among the states where women are most affected by heart disease and several other related diseases, Farley said.
"West Virginia is still in the top five for the prevalence of heart disease as well as for the prevalence of diabetes, obesity and smoking," she said.
"Women have heart disease and die of heart disease. So it's something we want to educate and educate people so that they can reduce their heart disease. "
Eliminating the consumption of tobacco products is one of the most recommended measures that a woman can take to reduce her risk of heart disease, Farley said.
"No. 1 is smoking," she said. "We want to educate people to quit, and it's not just about smoking, but about chewing tobacco and snuff."
To help manage blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, Farley recommended women to better control their diet and increase their weekly physical activity level.
"We do not recommend fad diets, we want a healthy diet that you can live with for the rest of your life. So, lower options for carbohydrates, fat and sodium, "she said. "Then combine that with the exercise. We want people to have 180 minutes of aerobic exercise a week, so 30 minutes a day, six days a week or 45 minutes a day, four days a week. "
The American Heart Association is also committed to teaching the public the techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which can save the life of a loved one in case of cardiovascular distress, Farley said.
"You do not have to go from mouth to mouth anymore. If it's a loved one and you've chosen word-of-mouth, you can do it, but it's CPR for the hands only now, she said. "Do not be afraid to do CPR, you place your hands on the sternum in the middle of the chest, you push hard and you push quickly."
UHC will be offering free vascular scans throughout February to help patients badess their risk of heart disease through the Dare to Take Care program, Farley said.
"It's free and they can call 304-681-342-1365 to make an appointment," she said.
Lyda Lister, a survivor of heart disease and a graduate of the UHC cardiac rehabilitation program, said the program has provided her with valuable education about her illness and the importance of making appropriate life choices.
"It was probably the best thing to do because it made me aware of what had happened to me and how I could avoid another episode," she said. "I was probably the oldest at the time and I felt that it was very beneficial to me."
The 36-week program taught her what foods she should avoid and encouraged her to be more active, Lister said.
"I try to eat better. I cut all my salt, sugars and caffeine and tried to eat healthier, "she said. "And I'm doing a little more exercise."
Lister, an elderly person, explained the program and gave her the tools necessary to continue living her life as best as she could.
"At my age, I have only a few years left," she said. "So I think I have to make the most of it. I am very active, I am involved in many different organizations and I have to continue. There are too many things I still want to do.
Charles Young, Senior Staff Writer, can be reached at 304-626-1447 or [email protected]
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