County to celebrate Heart Month

HAMBURG — The Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health and Sussex Warren Chronic Disease Coalition, in conjunction with Go Red for Women, will kick off American Heart Month. This annual awareness campaign acknowledges efforts to prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects during the month of February. Learn how to make healthier lifestyle choices and reduce your risk of developing the disease that is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the term “heart disease” refers to several types of conditions. Coronary artery disease is the most common and is also the main cause of a heart attack. Therefore, it is important to learn the warning signs for heart attack and stroke, but remember that the symptoms can be very different for men and women.
The good news is that you can start making healthier lifestyle changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Schedule regular checkups with your health care professional.
Keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol and weight.
Don't smoke. If you do smoke, stop.
Eat a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, trans fats and sodium.
Be physically active.
Limit your alcohol intake.
More information about heart disease will be available in all Sussex County libraries during the month of February. Also, visit the American Heart Association website at www.heart.org, CDC webpage at www.cdc.gov/heartdisease, or the Sussex County website at www.sussex.nj.us, and search the word “heart.”