In recognition of Heart Month (Feb.), an event titled “Heart Health,” will be presented by Michelle Burkett, RN, of Newsome Home Health Care at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community, 1100 N. River Rd., Shorewood.
The American Heart Association is promoting a heart healthy campaign by designating February as Heart Month. An additional campaign titled “Act in Time” is in place to increase people’s awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 911immediately at the onset of symptoms.
Signs that indicate a possible heart attack is happening are:
• chest discomfort;
• discomfort in other areas of the upper body;
• shortness of breath; or
• cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event which is most often a heart attack. One person dies every minute from heart attack.
Fatty material and other substances form a plaque build-up on the walls of coronary arteries which supply blood and oxygen to the heart. This buildup causes the arteries to get narrow and decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. Without enough blood and oxygen, a heart attack can happen.
Some risk factors for heart disease like age, gender, genes, and race are factors that cannot change. Controllable risk factors, however, like diet, exercise, lifestyle and medical treatment can be changed and adjusted.
A healthy lifestyle and diet are the best weapons in the fight against heart disease. Simply walking more or participating in an exercise routine can greatly improve the overall cardiac health of an individual.
The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The lecture is open to the public and admission is free. For more information or to register, call Shelly Goggins at 815-609-0669 or visit http://www.timbersofshorewood.com.
