David Morris, Executive Director for the American Heart and Stroke Association Delaware and Dr. John Shuck, MD, Cardiology Specialist with Bayhealth, discussed cardio-vascular disease, what it is and how it affects us. We discussed the importance of maintaining a proper weight, avoiding nicotine and getting enough exercise as prevention is the best way to protect yourself. Dr Shuck discussed heart disease and young women, while they receive limited protection before menopause, pregnancy can cause not just gestational diabetes, it can trigger hypertension issues that can last after the baby is born. Davis reminded us of the link between our mental health and our physical well-being and we discussed the benefits of social connections and activity.
Finally, a reminder that keeping up with your numbers – blood pressure and cholesterol – and knowing the signs of heart disease are vital. Get a check up, and, if you experience the warning signs of a heart attack – chest pressure, arm pain, sweating or nausea, or the FAST list of stroke – Facial drooping, Arm or limb weakness Speech issues – it’s Time to call 911.
For more information about Bayhealth Cardiology go to bayhealth.org/heart and vascular
To get lifestyle tips from healthy recipes to exercise, information about classes and CPR/AED training or the research and programming of the American Heart and Stroke Association, go to HEART.org