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Susan M. Morgan, CFCS
County Extension Agent
Family and Consumer Education
Bolivia, NC 28422
February 4, 1999

February is the month that we celebrate romantic thoughts of the heart with Valentine's Day. February is also American Heart Month, a time to turn our thoughts to scientific matters of the heart.

Cardiovascular diseases, those diseases of the circulatory system of the heart and blood vessels, are still America's number one killer. According to estimates, over 52 million Americans have the disease. In North Carolina this killer disease is responsible for more than 37% of all deaths. Every 21 minutes someone in the state dies from heart disease.

Enough of the bad news. The good news is you can fight back against heart disease. You can become more heart smart. Do this by practicing the three R's: reduce, recognize and respond.

REDUCE your risk with these steps:

1. Have your cholesterol checked. The risk of heart disease rises as blood cholesterol levels increase. To minimize your risk, eat a healthful diet that includes foods low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat milk products.
2. Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the heart's workload causing the heart to enlarge and weaken over time. If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to control it. Eating a proper diet, losing weight, exercising regularly, restricting sodium intake and following a program of medication may all be prescribed to lower blood pressure and keep it within healthy limits.
3. If you're a Smoker--Stop! Smoking greatly increases your heart disease risk. When you quit smoking, within three years your risk of heart disease will be about the same as if you never smoked.
4. Stay physically active. Walking briskly 3 or 4 times a week for just 30 minutes can help condition your heart, control your blood pressure and increase your HDL, your "good" cholesterol. Even being active for 10 minutes 3 times a day brings benefits.
5. Get regular medical checkups. Follow your doctor's advice. If you need medication to control your blood pressure, cholesterol, or for some other health problem, take it exactly as prescribed.

RECOGNIZE a heart attack. The symptoms of a heart attack vary, but the usual warning signs are: Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes. Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms. Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.

RESPOND to a heart attack. If you notice one or more of these signs, don't wait. Get medical help fast! Call 911. It's important to realize that not all of these signs occur in every heart attack. In some cases, the symptoms subside and then return.

In addition to activities, you can change the way you cook and even the way you select the foods when eating out. Two NoonLiting I classes are being offered by the Cooperative Extension Service beginning February 19, 1999. Classes will emphasize weight control and healthy eating. For information or to register, contact the Cooperative Extension Service. The first class, sponsored by St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Shallotte begins Friday, February 19th, at 9 a.m. Another will be held on Fridays, beginning February 19th at 12 noon at the Cooperative Extension Service in Bolivia. Call to pre-register. Both classes are offered in collaboration with the Brunswick County Healthy Families Program and will be taught by Susan Morgan, Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Education.

For information about the types of dietary fat and how to reduce fat, cholesterol and sodium in your diet, or to register for NoonLiting, contact Susan Morgan, CFCS, at the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Bolivia at 253-2610 or address your request to her at P. O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422.

The information presented is for educational purposes only. References to trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is implied.

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URL Address: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick/

Date Created 2/4/99
Last Revised 2/4/99