American Heart Association: American Heart Month

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American Heart Association American Heart Month

• Presentation By
• Mary Beth Miller
• Research Intern

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American Heart Association (AHA)

• Mission Statement
• Our mission is to reduce disability and death
  from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That
  single purpose drives all we do. The need for our
  work is beyond question.

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AHAs History

• First Association for the Prevention and Relief
  of Heart Disease formed in New York City 1915
• Six cardiologists representing several cities
  founded the American Heart Association in 1924
• The founding members were Drs. Lewis A. Conner,
  Robert H. Halsey, Paul D. White, Joseph Sailer,
  Robert B. Preble, and Hugh D. McCulloch

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AHAs History

• The AHA made its public debut in late 1948 during
  a network radio contest, "The Walking Man," on
  the "Truth or Consequences" program
• The effort netted 1.75 million and then began to
  organize AHA divisions across the country

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AHAs Heart Attack Warning Signs

• Chest discomfort
• Center of the chest that lasts more than a few
  minutes, or that goes away and comes back
• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or
  pain   
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body 
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back,
  neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath  
• Other signs
• Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or
  lightheadedness       

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AHAs Risks For Heart Disease

• High blood pressure
• Only way to know is to have your blood pressure
  checked regularly
• Called the Silent Killer due to lack of
  symptoms
• High cholesterol levels
• Too much LDL ("bad" cholesterol) in the blood is
  a major risk for heart disease
• Arrhythmia
• Disorder of the regular rhythmic beating of the
  heart
• May indicate a serious problem and lead to
  heart disease

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AHAs Risks For Heart Disease

• Diabetes
• Diabetes dramatically increases a person's risk
  for heart disease
• Associated with other cardiovascular risk
  factors, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol
  disorders, obesity and insulin resistance
• Obesity
• Raises cholesterol levels
• Lowers HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels which
  increases the risk for heart disease
• Raises blood pressure levels
• Can induce diabetes

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Keeping a Healthy Heart

• Eat Right
• Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins,
  minerals and fiber and low in calories
• Unrefined whole-grained foods contain fiber that
  help lower cholesterol levels
• Eat fish at least twice a week
• Eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids
  (for example, salmon, trout, and herring) may
  help lower risk of heart disease

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Keeping a Healthy Heart

• Exercise and Fitness
• At home
• Do housework   
• Work in the garden or yard
• Go out for a short 30 minute walk before
  breakfast, after dinner or both 
• Spend a few minutes exercising while watching TV 
  
• Walk the dog
• Park farther away at the shopping mall and walk
  the extra distance  

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Keeping a Healthy Heart

• Exercise and Fitness
• At the office
• Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather
  than using the telephone or email    
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Walk around your building for a break during the
  work day or during lunch
• Participate in or start a recreation league at
  your company    
• Join a fitness center or Y near your job  

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Keeping a Healthy Heart

• Exercise and Fitness
• At play
• Plan family outings that include physical
  activity
• Make regular dates with a friend to enjoy your
  favorite physical activities    
• Dance with someone or by yourself
• At the beach get up and walk, run or fly a kite 
    
• When golfing, walk instead of using a cart    
• Play singles tennis or racquetball instead of
  doubles    
• At the lake, rent a rowboat

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AHA Activities

• Resolutions 101 No-Fad Diet
• Focuses on the individual, his or her commitment,
  and the three essential circles - think smart,
  eat well and move more
• National Wear Red Day 2007
• A powerful way to raise awareness of heart
  disease and stroke, simply wear red on February
  2, 2007

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AHA Activities

• Go Red For Women Luncheon
• An inspirational and educational event designed
  to show women how to become champions of their
  own health 
• Go Red For Women - LeMystere Promotion
• LeMystere will donate 1 from the sale of
  designated lingerie products to AHA and will
  provide educational material and Go Red
  registration

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AHA Activities

• 2007 Texas Affiliate Lobby Day
• Outline AHAs legislative agenda and deliver the
  message at the State Capitol
• 2007 Heart Rock Gala Goes Polyester
• Celebrates the music of the 60's, 70's and 80's,
  and includes live silent auctions, raffle,
  great food, fantastic friendsall coming together
  to make happy hearts 

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Resources

• American Heart Association has several resources
  available
• http//www.americanheart.org
• Center for the Study of Health Disparities
• 112 Harrington Tower, TAMU
• 979-845-3502