Go Red for Heart Health: Pace Joins the Fight Against Heart Disease!
National Wear Red Day is observed annually on the first Friday of February and it is a pivotal event dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death among women in the United States. This initiative underscores the critical importance of understanding cardiovascular health and implementing preventive measures.
Heart disease claims the lives of approximately 647,000 Americans each year. However, many of these deaths are preventable through proactive health management. Key preventive strategies include:
Monitoring Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels: Regular check-ups to keep these metrics within recommended ranges.
Engaging in Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
Smoking Cessation: Eliminating tobacco to significantly reduce risk of heart disease.
Preventive recommendations vary by age group:
· 20s: Establish consistent physical activity routines, schedule regular wellness exams, and avoid smoking.
· 30s: Adopt heart-healthy habits, become informed about your family’s medical history, and manage stress effectively.
· 40s: Maintain regular exercise, monitor blood sugar levels, and address sleep disturbances such as snoring, which can be indicative of sleep apnea.
· 50s: Consume a balanced diet rich in nutrients, familiarize yourself with the warning signs of heart disease, and adhere to any prescribed treatment plans.
· 60s and Beyond: Educate yourself about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), continue regular physical activity, and recognize the symptoms of heart attacks and strokes.
Pace encourages individuals to prioritize their cardiovascular health by scheduling a wellness visit in 2025. These visits may be available without co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses. To schedule an appointment or to talk to a healthcare provider, call the Health Connection clinic closest to you, Bedford (812) 675-0247, Sullivan (812) 638-2998, Terre Haute (812) 234-0707, Vincennes (812) 882-6069, and/or Washington (812) 254-6936.
For more information about our services and initiatives, please visit our website at https://www.pacecaa.org/health-connection.
By participating in National Wear Red Day and embracing these preventive measures, we can collectively work towards reducing the impact of heart disease among women and the broader community.
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Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. is a private not-for-profit Community Action Agency established to provide support services to improve the community and encourage self-reliance. Services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, familial status, or status as a veteran.
This was supported by the by Indiana Family Health Council, Inc. (IFHC), as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. DHHS, PHS Title X Family Planning Project, and ISDH/MCH Family Planning grants as part of a financial assistance award totaling approximately $950,000 with 90% funded by IFHC and approximately $110,000 amount and 10% funded by nongovernment source(s). The contents are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by IFHC/OASH/HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit Health Connection’s website.
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