February 1, 2008
February is American Heart Month
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2008, an estimated 770,000 Americans will have a new coronary attack, and about 430,000 will have a recurrent attack. About every 26 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one.
Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a "man's disease," it is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and women account for 52.8% of the total heart disease deaths.
The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk.
Preventing heart disease
People can lower their risk for heart disease and heart attack by controlling certain factors:
CHOLESTEROL
High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Preventing and treating high blood cholesterol includes eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber; keeping a healthy weight; and regularly exercising. All adults should have their cholesterol levels checked regularly. Medications may be prescribed by your doctor to help lower your cholesterol if diet and exercise are not enough.
BLOOD PRESSURE
All adults should have their blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure can usually be controlled with lifestyle changes (healthy diet, regular exercise, keeping a healthy weight) and medications when needed.
DIABETES
People with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease, but can reduce their risk through weight loss and regular physical activity. Also, people can reduce their risk for diabetes in the first place by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
TOBACCO USE
Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking will help lower the risk of heart disease. If you smoke, consult your physician regarding smoking cessation methods and programs.
ALCOHOL USE
Excessive alcohol use increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. People who drink should do so responsibly and in moderation.
OVERWEIGHT
Healthy weight status in adults is usually assessed using weight and height to calculate the “body mass index” (BMI). An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Overweight is a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Normal weight is a BMI of 18 to 24.9. Proper diet and regular physical activity can help to maintain a healthy weight.
PHYSICAL INACTIVITY
Adults should engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Consult your physician before beginning an exercise program if you are currently sedentary.
POOR NUTRITION
Along with healthy weight and regular physical activity, an overall healthy diet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. A healthy diet includes eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lowering or cutting out added salt or sodium, and eating less saturated fat and cholesterol.
Know Your Signs and Symptoms
Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack. People who have survived a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of another heart attack or a stroke in the future.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Below are signs that could mean a heart attack is happening:
·
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks
involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few
minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable
pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
·
Discomfort in other areas of the upper
body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, low back,
neck, jaw, or stomach.
·
Shortness of breath. May occur with or
without chest discomfort.
· Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, palpitations, rapid heart beat, dizziness or lightheadedness.
If you experience any of the above signs, seek medical attention immediately. Waiting could mean the difference between life and death.
To learn more about heart disease and prevention point your browser to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's webpage at http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/ or the American Heart Association's webpage at http://www.americanheart.org/.
To learn more about Preventive Health or other services OHS-COMPCARE has to offer, contact our Client Services Team at (816) 559-6306 or by e-mail at customerservice@ohscompcare.com. You can also visit us at www.ohscompcare.com.
*Please feel free to forward this information to any member of management in your company who would benefit from it.*
OHS-COMPCARE has eight (8) area clinical facilities:
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Blue Springs Clinical Facility |
Independence Clinical Facility |
Johnson County Clinical Facility |
St. Joseph Clinical Facility |
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801 NW St. Mary’s Drive |
19000 E. Eastland Center Crt, St. 200 |
10415 Lackman Road |
904 Edmond Street |
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Blue Springs, MO 64104 |
Independence, MO 64055 |
Lenexa, KS 66219 |
St. Joseph, MO 64501 |
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816-224-9121 |
816-478-9299 |
913-495-9905 |
816-233-7702 |
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After Hours Available |
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KCMO/Broadway Clinical Facility |
KCMO/Front Street Clinical Facility |
Wyandotte County Clinical Facility |
Grandview Clinical Facility |
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1650 Broadway |
6501 East Commerce, Suite 110 |
1333 Meadowlark Lane, Suite 200 |
13830 S Us Highway 71 |
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Kansas City, MO 64108 |
Kansas City, MO 64120 |
Kansas City, KS 66102 |
Grandview, MO 64030 |
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816-842-2020 |
816-483-5550 |
913-596-2774 |
816-761-4664 |