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What is American Heart Month?
The Clark County Media
February 7, 2018,
Page 15
themedia@centurytel.net
American Heart Month, a federally designated event, is an ideal time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved.
The first American Heart Month, which took place in February 1964, was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson via Proclamation 3566 on December 30, 1963.
The Congress, by joint resolution on that date, has requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating February as American Heart Month.
At that time, more than half the deaths in the U.S. were caused by cardiovascular disease.
While American Heart Month is a federally designated month in the United States, it’s important to realize that cardiovascular disease knows no borders. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading global cause of death with more than 17.9 million deaths each year.
The Clark County Health Department recognized National Wear Red Day on Thursday, February 1 to help raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and save lives. Pictured are (Front) Lorie Schantz, Paula Schantz, Camie Mathes, Shaide Ferrel, Brenda Cottrell, Laura Colvin. (Back) LeAnn Clifford, Audrie Howe, Janie Horton, Dan Mittleberg, Bailee Kiger, Sara Smith, Renee Kirchner, Evelena Sutterfield.
That number is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030.
Good Fats Tips
President Lyndon B. Johnson’s proclamation that first declared February as American Heart Month.
stock up on vegetable oils. This can include everything from olive oil and canola oil to peanut oil and sesame oil. Monounsaturated fats are found in these oils as well as avocados, olives and various types of nuts, including almonds and peanuts.
Eating fish is an excellent way to incorporate polyunsaturated fats into your diet. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, trout and tuna are excellent options and also are high in Omega-3 fatty acids— known to help with inflammation.
Managing intake of good fats
Chances are, we all know someone affected by heart disease and stroke, because about 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of 1 death every 38 seconds. But together we can change that!
Not all fats are created equal. While saturated and trans fats are bad for you, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can actually be good for you. How as that possible?
How often should a person consume healthy fats? “Every day,” says Johnson. “Just be careful about calories. Foods with healthy fats can be high in calories.”
Clark County Health Department and Home Health Agency
Clark County Health Department
and Home He
e
alth Agency
“Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are healthy fats because they do not raise the “bad” LDL cholesterol in your body and may actually help raise your “good” HDL cholesterol,” says Dr. Rachel Johnson, Robert L. Bickford Jr. Green and Gold Professor of Nutrition at the University of Vermont. “They also seem to have an anti- inflammatory affect and studies have shown that people who have that diets rich in these types of fats have lower rates of heart disease and diabetes.”
Dr. Judith Wylie-Rosett, professor of epidemiology and population health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, concurs. “The problem with good fats is that it is easy to consume too many calories,” she says. “For example, if you have a child that is very active and lean, nuts are a wonderful snack. But if you have someone who is overweight, they may get too many calories going out to eat and munching on nuts at the dinner table.”
Let’s explore these good fats tips.
The American Heart Association recommends people eat foods with monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats instead of saturated and trans fats. Aim for healthy fats to not exceed 35 percent of your total daily calories, according to the AHA. To control portions, try just a handful of nuts or olives for a snack.
Foods containing good fats
Interested in starting a diet that is rich in healthy fats? If so, head to the grocery store and
KEEPING
YOU
CLOSE TO HOME
“I have a saying that I will be there, the whole way, not alone, this is a team effort, and together we can accomplish a healthier lifestyle.”
The Blessing Health System brings cardiac care to your neighborhood, continuing and expanding the care you trust, in the place you call home.
As a member of the Blessing Health System, the Kahoka Medical Clinic is your direct link to the medical specialties and advanced services available throughout the Blessing Health System.
For appointments at the Kahoka Medical Clinic, call (660) 727-3377.
KAHOKA MEDICAL CLINIC
103 E. Commercial St., Kahoka, MO blessinghealth.org
Shanna Dierker, APRN, CNVP-BC, AACT-CVT, Cardiology