OREGON UPDATES
THE BUSINESS OF THE HEART: Raising Awareness During National Heart Month February is National Heart Month, which educates people about the importance of a healthy heart and encourages healthy habits that help reduce the risk of heart disease.
A ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease was the second highest cause of death in Oregon in 2019. However, National Heart Month is all about the power of education and how this knowledge could help protect us from heart disease and improve overall heart health. “The average life expectancy for people in Jackson County is 79, which is a good number,” said Beth Coker, MA, manager of Cardiopulmonary Services and Cardiac Rehabilitation at Asante. However, heart disease continues to strike at people in Jackson County. “Too many people are unaware it could happen to them, especially younger people and women.” Coker explained there are different types of risk factors for heart disease, some of which you can control, and others you cannot – such as gender and age. “Men are generally at a greater risk of heart disease, and for women, the risk increases after menopause,” she said. Family history plays an important role in assessing risk. Children of parents who had heart disease are more likely to develop it themselves. However, there are many risk factors for heart disease which are within our control. Coker said smoking is the top risk factor for heart disease. Heart attacks
“If employers make health important in the workplace, employees may reevaluate their health at home, too. It’s a trickle-down effect and business leaders can make a difference.” – Beth Coker, manager of Asante’s Cardiopulmonary Services
Coker explained that stress is another major risk factor that people rarely think about, even though it can damage the arteries. “An extreme bout of anger is as bad for your heart as a cigarette.” But if the worst should happen and you suffer a heart attack or stroke, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms beforehand. “A heart attack can happen at any age. The earlier you catch it and intervene, the better!” According to Coker, signs of a heart attack may include chest discomfort that lasts for a few minutes, a feeling
are more common in smokers, and tobacco use of any kind
increases your risk. Also, exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease, even in non-smokers. Diets high in fat and cholesterol also contribute to heart disease and hypertension (high blood pressure), which is known as the silent killer because it often goes untreated. “In Jackson County, 38% of residents are obese,” said Coker. “But it’s something we can address through proper dietary choices and more activity. A lack of activity leads to a weak heart muscle.”
6
The Business Review | February 2022
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online