Examining Heart Health in Ohio
Author: Brian Heckman
Most everyone knows someone who has dealt with a heart condition, be it high blood pressure (hypertension), heart attack, cardiovascular disease (CVD), or stroke. I say this because Damey and I have family and friends with heart issues, and we have consulted with Home Helpers clients, many of whom take medications for or have undergone medical procedures to address cardiovascular health concerns.
February is National Heart Month and American Heart Month making it the perfect time for examining heart health in Ohio. We’ll start with a few statistics from the American Heart Association:
- Ohio ranks 13th in the nation for deaths from heart disease
- Ohio has the 13th highest death rate from CVD in the country
- Heart disease is the #1 killer in Ohio
- Stroke is the #5 killer in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) says, “Heart Month is the perfect time to start thinking about making a heart-healthy lifestyle change! Especially since heart disease is the leading cause of death in Ohio - affecting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic levels. In Ohio, heart disease rates are higher in adults aged 65 and older, people with disabilities, people with low income, veterans, and those living in Appalachia. Heart disease deaths in Ohio are higher in men, Black Ohioans, and those living in Appalachia. Some risks are determined by your genetics or age, but many of the other risk factors are preventable.”
Risk Factors for heart disease and stroke include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Tobacco use and vaping
- Family history of heart disease
ODH explains that you can make strides to prevent heart disease and protect your heart health by:
- Spending at least 150 minutes each week participating in physical activities that will exercise your heart, like walking or swimming
- Consuming a diet rich in a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars
- Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night
- Quitting smoking, tobacco use, and vaping
- Limiting alcohol use to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men
- Scheduling regular preventive care visits with your doctor or primary care provider to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose
Fortunately, Ohio has established the Ohio Cardiovascular and Diabetes Collaborative (Cardi-OH) in which healthcare professionals share best practices to improve cardiovascular and diabetes outcomes to eliminate disparities. Knowing Ohio healthcare providers are collaborating to make strides in positive heart health outcomes for Ohioans is encouraging.
In addition, the ODH has a Live to the Beat campaign with a mission of living a legacy of heart health. “Legacies are built in the choices we make today. Heart disease is largely preventable and starts with one small step. Let’s build a legacy of heart health starting today.”
The Live to the Beat website offers a host of resources about heart-health topics where you can access more information to help you achieve better heart health.
The senior independence, health, and wellness of our clients are what we’re all about at Home Helpers. The mission of our care team is to make life easier and healthier for seniors and Veterans every day.
A compassionate Home Helpers® caregiver can provide transportation assistance to doctor appointments and health screenings; help with personal care; nutritious meal planning and preparation; light housekeeping; and other in-home care services. Damey and I are happy to schedule a FREE consultation at your convenience to assess specific needs and create a personalized care plan for you or someone you love on a heart health journey.
Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the exceptional care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and the International Franchise Association. In addition, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.
Home Helpers® Canton proudly serves male and female seniors and Veterans in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Aurora, Brimfield, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Louisville, Massillon, Minerva, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas. 330.892.9329
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