Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 650,000 people each year. Here are some other facts everyone should know about heart disease:
● In the U.S., one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease.
● Every year, about 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack.
● Nearly half of American adults (47%) suffer from high blood pressure, or hypertension, which increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke. However, only about 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure have their condition under control.
Another important fact is that most people can take steps right now to reduce the risks related to heart disease.
In most cases, heart disease is preventable. Vivek Mangla, MD, local cardiologist tells us, “By adopting a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, getting cardiovascular check-ups, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol and treating high blood pressure, we can all reduce our risk for heart disease.”
Since 1964, February has been recognized as American Heart Month – a time of year dedicated to increasing awareness about heart health and highlighting steps we can take to create a heart healthy lifestyle..
This year, Woodland Heights is taking the entire month of February to help people in the community learn ways to reduce their risks with the 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge. Participants will receive a daily email with short, informative articles, quick tips, and a daily challenge to promote heart health.
“At Woodland Heights, we are committed to helping people live healthier and, for most of us, there’s no better place to start than taking better care of our hearts,” says Drew Emery, CEO. “People who join us for this challenge will find the content takes only a couple of minutes to read each day. It is fun, sometimes surprising, always informative, and it can be life-saving. I hope everyone will sign up for the challenge and join us on a 28 day journey to a healthier heart.”
The 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge includes 28 challenges that can help participants eat healthier, get up from a sedentary lifestyle, relieve stress and lower blood pressure. To sign-up for the 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge, visit WoodlandHeights.net/Heart-Challenge.
About Woodland Heights Medical Center
Established in 1919, Woodland Heights Medical Center was Lufkin’s first hospital. Now, more than a century later, Woodland Heights is recognized throughout Deep East Texas as the leading provider of high quality, innovative health care services. Accommodating a wide range of clinical specialties, Woodland Heights has achieved excellence in key medical and surgical areas including cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, orthopedic surgery, physical medicine/rehabilitation, vascular surgery and obstetrics and gynecology. Woodland Heights also offers a full range of outpatient diagnostic services including advanced imaging, laboratory, outpatient surgery and emergency services. Through its Rehabilitation Center, Woodland Heights offers cardiac rehabilitation, stroke recovery and physical, occupational, speech and pelvic floor rehabilitation. The facility also houses the first Level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the deep East Texas area. Woodland Heights is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff. Woodland Heights offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox from a trusted medical source. Sign up at WoodlandHeights.net/enewsletter-sign-up. Combining modern facilities, leading technology, an exceptional staff and a commitment to the communities it serves, Woodland Heights Medical Center remains at the forefront of quality health care in Deep East Texas.
