By Alison Crane
If I live to be 70 years old my heart will have beat more than 2.5 billion times. Each thump-thump of my heart adds up to more than 2,000 gallons of blood being pumped each day. In fact, my heart muscle does more work than any other muscle in my body. “My heart beats for you,” takes on a whole new meaning with those facts in mind. Since we consider February the month of hearts and romance, designating it National Heart Month is also very appropriate.
Statistically, 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, that’s an average of one death every thirty-eight seconds. With those odds, chances are pretty good that you know someone affected by heart disease and stroke. Maybe this year during National Heart Month it is time to reach out to a friend or loved one and encourage them to make choices that will benefit their heart and yours.
Sometimes it is difficult to talk about health issues. Maybe you have tried before, and the conversation did not go well or maybe you are just not sure how to begin. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has some great tips on their website: My Health Finder. Try these suggestions for starting a dialog with your friend or family member.
- Begin by saying that you care.
- Share the facts about heart disease.
- Explain that is possible to prevent heart disease.
- Finally, offer to help, because being healthy together is both easier and twice the fun.
For more information on healthy living and preventing heart disease, visit the UofA Cooperative Extension Service. If you or your group would like to learn more about ways to improve your health or programs available in Hot Springs, Arkansas, contact the Garland County Extension office at 236 Woodbine, Hot Springs, Arkansas, or call 501-623-6841. Follow our Facebook page @GarlandCountyExtension-UADA.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
