February is Heart Health Awareness Month. According to Bladen County Health and Human Services Director, Dr. Teresa (Terri) Duncan, Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Bladen County.
She said, “Bladen County ranks worse in every heart related indicator (stroke, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation) than the North Carolina state average.”
Dr. Duncan added, “The risk factors for heart disease that we can’t change include age, sex, family history. We can change other risk factors: exercise, diet, smoking.”
Friday is National Wear Red Day to bring awareness of heart disease. A Go Red For Women brochure states, “Cardiovascular diseases kill one woman about every 80 seconds. But about 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented.”
Harvard Health says, stroke, heart disease and ischemic heart disease are top health issues for both sexes. Dr. Duncan wants to encourage people to wear red this Friday. She said, “Please join us in wearing red on Friday, February 5 to raise awareness of heart disease and heart issues.”
In closing Dr. Duncan asked, “As we wear red to raise awareness, will join us to commit to at least one change to decrease your risk of heart disease: exercise at least three (3) times per week, eat healthier foods, or stop smoking?”
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