February marks American Heart Month, a nationwide campaign that teaches about heart health, heart diseases and healthy heart habits. While heart disease is often an afterthought to many young individuals, it can affect anyone, and building heart healthy habits early is key to prevention.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Taking the life of nearly one million people each year and over 1,000 lives in North Dakota. Many of these cases can be prevented by eliminating risk factors such as poor diet, inactivity, smoking, and high stress. By removing these risk factors early in life, individuals can prevent heart diseases and have a long and healthy life.
“I know people who have been personally affected by heart disease which is why educating myself and others on the importance of heart health is so important to me,” said Fr. Izzy Malter
Heart health is an important topic amongst universities because although it may not be on the forefront of students’ minds, their choices now affect their heart health later in life. Making conscious efforts and heart healthy habits are some of the ways all individuals, both young and old, can reduce their disease risk.
Some healthy heart tips that any individual can adapt into their life include participating in physical activity regularly, having a nutritious diet, limiting processed food consumption, and limiting stress.
“Learning the importance of heart health at a young age has caused me to make lifestyle changes that will support my future health,” said Fr. Malter. “Some of these changes have been by doing more cardiovascular focused physical activity and focusing on proper nutrition.”
Heart health education is key to preventing heart diseases and lowering its death toll. Many resources are available to help educate the public on heart health such as community classes at the YMCA and through UND. Online education opportunities are also available through the American Heart Association.
At UND heart health education is of high importance and is shown through their involvement in the Cardiac Ready Community Project. This program is designed to enhance the universities’ cardiac event readiness and heart disease awareness programs. Through this unique program, students, staff and faculty can educate themselves on heart health and how to react to cardiac distress situations.
Being prepared to handle cardiac distress situations is a key part of heart health education. Some ways that both communities and individuals can educate themselves on how to handle these situations is through CPR certification and the availability and training for use of automated external defibrillator (AED) devices. Training and certification courses for these skills can be easily found throughout the Grand Forks community through university, hospital, and community programs. Certification for these lifesaving skills is vital for the prevention of cardiac-related deaths.
“Becoming CPR certified was a simple process that has been so rewarding because I am able to not only make a difference in my community, but also save lives because of it,” said Fr. Abigail Peterson.
American heart month serves as a reminder that heart health is not just a medical issue but is also a community effort. By spreading awareness, education and heart health tips, individuals are able to better their life and personal health.
Sonya Skar is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
