Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, impacting millions of lives each year. February, designated as American Heart Month, is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on this critical health issue and take proactive steps to protect your heart.
A National Focus on Heart Health
Since President Lyndon B. Johnson first proclaimed February as American Heart Month in 1964, the nation has come together annually to raise awareness about heart disease. This year, the focus is even more critical due to the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows that the pandemic has affected public heart health, with many delaying hospital visits for symptoms and adopting less healthy lifestyle habits.
Heart Disease: A Global Health Crisis
Globally, nearly 18.6 million people died from cardiovascular disease in 2019, a significant increase over the previous decade. Despite these alarming numbers, heart disease is largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices:
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control blood sugar and cholesterol
- Manage high blood pressure
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week
- Schedule regular health checkups
Exciting News: Our New Cardiology Clinic
At Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, we are committed to improving access to specialized cardiac care for our community. We are proud to announce the opening of our new Cardiology Clinic, led by Rob Duke, FNP.
Rob brings extensive expertise to our team, with advanced training under leading cardiac specialists. The clinic offers comprehensive services, including:
- Management of Congestive Heart Failure
- Treatment for Cardiomyopathy, Structural Heart Disease, and Ischemic Heart Disease
- Preventive care and personalized treatment plans
Your heart health is our priority. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your heart, now is the time to act.
Take Action Today
This American Heart Month, don’t delay in taking steps to protect your heart. Contact your primary care provider to discuss a referral or call us directly at 906.293.9118 to schedule an appointment with Rob Duke, FNP, at our Cardiology Clinic.
Together, we can make heart health a priority and ensure a healthier future for our community.
For more resources on American Heart Month, visit Heart.org
