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Raising
Awareness of Heart Disease in February
By Rep Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
February 14, 2008
This month, people
across the country - men and women, young and old - are observing American
Heart Month. February has been designated as American Heart Month in
order to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease – and encourage
changes to save lives.
In South Dakota,
there is very important work being done through the American Heart Association’s
Go Red for Women initiative to draw attention to the startling statistics
surrounding heart disease, and to promote healthy ways of living.
The Go Red for Women
initiative aims not only to increase awareness that cardiovascular diseases
are the leading cause of death for women, but by 2010, to reduce coronary
heart disease and stroke risk by a twenty-five percent. Cardiovascular
diseases, including heart disease and stroke, killed more South Dakotans
in 2005 than any other illnesses, accounting for more than 2,000 lives
lost in that year alone. Yet, this is not as widely known as it should
be.
Go Red for Women
focuses us all on the ability of women to work together to overcome
these diseases which take so many lives and affect so many people in
our state and across the nation. Just this week, the House of Representatives
passed with overwhelming bipartisan support a resolution recognizing
American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day in February. The red
dress symbol and wearing red helps to demonstrate our commitment to
raising awareness.
Like many of us,
I have examples in my own family that really bring home the importance
of this issue. And I have been active in taking preventative measures
now to avoid risks in the future. For instance, certain lifestyle habits,
such as eating a sensible diet and getting exercise, can help lessen
risk. For help in monitoring my heart health, I regularly have my blood
pressure taken by a healthcare professional and undergo routine tests.
If you ask at your next appointment, your healthcare provider can help
you devise an action plan to address the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Throughout the month,
I will take opportunities to discuss this important issue – particularly
with my loved ones. I hope you’ll do the same.
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