The Month Of February Serves As Heart Month
In this week’s article, I want to feature Heart Month. It is designated during the month of February. This month works to help educate the public about the important ways of improving heart health. The endeavor aims to help people identify and understand helpful adjustments that can be made to increase heart health. There are a number of everyday things that we can do in achieving healthier lives for 2016. With this designation, both the American Heart Association as well as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have put out some great information.
This year, Heart Month seeks to provide a national initiative, called “Million Hearts,” to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. It is important that Americans take charge and know their blood pressure. This is critically important because high blood pressure is a leading cause of both heart disease and stroke. To put this into perspective, there are more than 67 million people here in the US that have high blood pressure. In addition to that, people who have high blood pressure are about 4 times more likely to die from a stroke and around 3 times more likely to die from some form of heart disease.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are some tips and information that is provided on their website.
• Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be. Set a goal to lower your pressure with your doctor and talk about how you can reach your goal. Work with your health care team to make sure you meet that goal. Track your blood pressure over time. One way to do that is with this free wallet card from Million Hearts®.
• Take your blood pressure medicine as directed. Set a timer on your phone to remember to take your medicine at the same time each day. If you are having trouble taking your medicines on time or paying for your medicines, or if you are having side effects, ask your doctor for help.
• Quit smoking—and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. You can find tips and resources at CDC’s Smoking and Tobacco website.
• Reduce sodium intake. Most Americans consume too much sodium, which can raise blood pressure. Learn more about this at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Also read about ways to reduce your sodium and visit the Million Hearts® Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Resource Center for heart-healthy, lower-sodium recipes, meal plans, and helpful articles.
The American Heart Association (AHA) is an organization that helps bring heart health knowledge, leadership and resources to all levels of government. Whether it is the federal, state or local level, the AHA identifies ways of educating the public and develops systems of care that work to help acute conditions, which will result in helping to improve the patient’s outcomes. Many of these systems coordinate impacted people to help them recover, while also improving the cost-effectiveness of their care. These systems of care generally are tailored by more localized methods that focus on certain regions of the nation and individual states. The Association uses collected data that helps a seamless transition from each stage of care. It is with these types of awareness and outreach that they hope will save lives. If you would like to learn more information about healthy tips on cardiovascular health, you can visit the American Heart Association.
If you would like to follow the Texas House and learn more information on news, committees or other aspects of the legislative body, you can access its website at Texas House of Representatives. The site features live streaming from committee hearings as well as access to a number of other resources. You can also follow the Texas Senate at Texas Senate. For important information regarding transportation in the state, feel free to visit the Texas Department of Transportation. Other references are the Texas General Land Office, or visit the Texas Railroad Commission.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
