South Heartland District Health Department shares heart health tips
A Nebraska health department is challenging people in its area to love their own heart during February.
By News Channel NebraskaHASTINGS, NE — A Nebraska health department is challenging people in its area to love their own heart during February.
It’s American Heart Month and the South Heartland District Health Department, which covers Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties, is sharing tips on how to take care of your heart.
Executive Director Michele Bever says one out of three adults in the health department’s coverage area have high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. She says it’s important to measure your blood pressure, know about your risk and manage your blood pressure.
“The higher your blood pressure level, the more risk you have for other health problems like heart disease, heart attack and stroke," Bever said. "High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, so measuring your blood pressure is really the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure.”
The health department is also preaching the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. They include chest pain or discomfort, feeling weak, pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, one or both arms or shoulders and shortness of breath.
Bever says every minute counts when responding to a heart attack.
“So if you experience any of these symptoms or know somebody that is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately because the chances of surviving a heart attack are much better the sooner emergency treatment begins. That life you save could be your own,” Bever said.
The health department encourages people to visit the CDC’s website for more information.