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Raising
Awareness of Heart Disease in February 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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Washington, DC 331 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2801 Fax: (202) 225-5823 |
Sioux
Falls 326 East 8th Street, Suite 108 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone: (605) 367-8371 Fax: (605) 367-8373 Toll Free: (866) 371-8747 |
Rapid
City 1823 West Main Street Rapid City, SD 57702 Phone: (605) 394-5280 Fax: (605) 394-5282 |
Aberdeen 13 Second Ave SE, Suite 102 Aberdeen, SD 57401 Phone: (605) 626-3440 Fax: (605) 626-3441 |
