Valentine’s Day and February Also Mean Heart Month

            Good health outlasts candy or flowers, so the Douglas County Health Department is asking you to consider giving the gift of health – even give it to yourself – on Valentine’s Day and throughout February – Heart Health Month.         

            “Heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “The sad thing is people can do many things to improve their heart health.”

            Suggestions to improve heart health include:

·         Preventing and control high blood pressure and cholesterol.

·         Monitor diabetes and keep active.

·         Don’t smoke, avoid second-hand smoke and limit alcohol use.

·         Maintain a healthy weight and eat healthy food – lots of fruit and vegetables.

                Cardiovascular disease costs the nation nearly $300 billion each year in medical costs and costs are increasing rapidly. Treatment for this disease accounts for $1 in every $6 US health dollars spent, according to the CDC. Prevention is much less costly.

            You can help yourself and others by knowing the signs and symptoms that can lead to a heart attack. Be aware that when chest discomfort lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. Discomfort in one arm or both, the back, neck, jaw or stomach also can mean problems. Other warning signs include shortness of breath, with or without discomfort, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

            Remember, heart disease is not just a man’s disease - it is the nation’s leading cause of death for men AND women, with women accounting for nearly half of heart disease deaths.  That holds true in Douglas County, where in 2009 there were 348 male deaths from heart disease and 339 female deaths.

            A final few thoughts for Valentine’s Day – keep in mind your sweetheart’s health concerns. Does your Valentine have allergies, asthma, diabetes or other health conditions? Are they on a diet? Find out if some typical Valentine’s Day gifts – such as foods, flowers, pets or stuffed animals - might have a bad affect your loved one’s holiday.

            “Making healthy choices is easy,” Dr. Pour said. “It’s a wonderful way to show how much you care about someone.”