On a fine July morning in 1990, my parents were taking their morning walk after breakfast. My father suddenly felt ill, and he sat down on the sidewalk “to catch his breath”. Mom knew he needed to get to a hospital so hurried back to get the car (no cell phones at that time). When she returned, Daddy was not in sight. An absolute stranger had stopped to ask if he needed help and immediately took Daddy to the hospital. He had his first heart attack in the hospital and the second one about an hour later. Fortunately, he received very good care and survived both. Luck was on our side!
This is my personal story! Sharing personal stories helps spread awareness of heart health and empowers others to start a journey towards a healthy heart.
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Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. An American Heart Association study estimates that 48% of the population has some form of heart disease. That’s the bad news. The good news is that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that this disease is 90% preventable.
The Mayo Clinic recommends the following strategies to prevent heart disease:
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco (and avoid secondhand smoke)
- Exercise aiming for 30-60 minutes of daily activity
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight (BMI of 25 or less)
- Get quality sleep by setting a sleep schedule
- Manage stress
- Get regular health screening tests
Our hearts are the guardian of our life and well-being. The journey to heart health begins with awareness, and every step we take brings us closer to a world where heart disease is no longer a leading threat. Nurture and protect YOUR heart!
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Check out these Resources from the Library:
American Heart Association Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook
The Source of All Things
Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain
Tai Chi Fit for a Healthy Heart (DVD)
Heart Healthy Yoga (DVD)
BCPL’s awareness campaign brings recognition to a different cause each month.
Share your story with those around you and get the conversation started.
