It’s Heart Health Awareness Month. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States and in Michigan.
Prevention is the best treatment for heart disease and being aware of the risk factors, as well as signs of a problem, are the purpose of the awareness campaign.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive, said, “It’s important for women and Michiganders to know their risk factors for heart disease. Being aware of risk factors and also giving people tools they need to lead a healthier lifestyle will improve quality of life.”
The keys to heart health are basic healthy living: not smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, engaging in regular physical activity, eating healthy, managing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Heart disease mortality rates have risen over the past few years, with minorities having the largest increase. Women are disproportionately impacted by heart disease.
Visit the links below for more heart health awareness resources.
Michigan Million Hearts® Network. Million Hearts® 2022
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
