Page 14 - 2019 March Network News

GOLD SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Heart Health with Valley Health

February is not just about valentines and romance. It’s American Heart Month, an opportunity to focus on
ways to keep this vital organ healthy! Heart disease and stroke affect more people than all cancers
combined. Education, prevention, raising awareness and seeking good medical care can all help save
lives!

Education:
“Women’s heart attack symptoms can be very different than men’s,” says Melanie Mattson, MD,
cardiologist with Valley Health. Women are less likely to experience chest pain or heavy pressure during
a heart attack but can have symptoms such as jaw pain, back pain, heaviness of the arms,
light-headedness and fatigue, Dr. Mattson explains.

Remember, Survive, Don’t Drive! If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away.
Do not try to get to the hospital on your own.

Prevention:
Are you at risk for heart disease? Know your numbers! Your primary care provider can help you know the
numbers that influence your heart health such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
“Committing to regular exercise and not smoking can have a huge impact on heart disease and heart
attack prevention,” says Jeffrey Skiles, MD, cardiologist with Panhandle Cardiology Associates and
Valley Health.

Raising Awareness:
Team members across Valley Health will be wearing red all day on February 1 to help raise awareness of
heart disease. Want to know how your business can raise awareness during Heart Month? Some ideas
include: Heart healthy challenges at work: contributing heart healthy snacks of fruits, vegetables and
whole grains can help co-workers take the first step. Movement challenges: many of us are sedentary at
work. Taking extra steps and moving each hour can help. The American Heart Association recommends
at least 10,000 steps per day. Schedule a Heart Attack Risk Program visit from the nurses at Valley
Health Wellness Services. Our team of nurses can work with your employees directly to help them know
their numbers! For more information, call 540-536-3040.

When in doubt, talk to your primary care provider. Now is the best time to build a relationship with a
care provider who can help you achieve and maintain heart health. Call Valley Health Internal Medicine |
Ranson at (304) 724-7200 to schedule an appointment. You can also call 833-VHS-DOCS or visit
www.valleyhealthlink.com to find a doctor near you.

For more information on the comprehensive heart services available at Valley Health, visit
www.valleyhealthlink.com/heart.

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