RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) — This American Heart Month we celebrate survivors and dedicate ourselves to eradicating the global scourge of deadly heart disease.
ARH Cardiology Associates held a healthy heart fair at the Beckley ARH Medical Mall to urge everyone to learn about their risk factors, adopt better habits, and protect their hearts.
“Heart attacks are prevalent in this region,” said Regional Community Development Manager Kelly Elkins. “We want you to eat a little healthier and take preventative measures as far as getting screened to help you live a longer and healthier life.”
It’s personal for Charles Coleman. He had a widowmaker heart attack at age 35 (he’s now 38). It occurs when the left anterior descending artery becomes completely blocked. He’s since been eating healthier; including less red meat, has better cholesterol levels, and made other lifestyle changes.
“Walking more often, being more active, keeping the blood flowing, keeping everything clean is the biggest thing that’s helped out a lot,” the Hinton resident said.
Women often present with different heart attack symptoms than men which may lead them to believe it’s something else.
“Nausea, vomiting, numbness, tingling, headaches, generalized pain throughout the body,” said Stroke/Chest Pain Coordinator Courtney Jackson. “And they just think, I’m sick and never think (their) heart. They really need to consider these symptoms and come to the ER.”
Those who attend ARH’s Healthy Heart Fair are one step closer to having better heart health.
“You can get an EKG done. We’re doing your lipid panels, vitals, and blood pressure checks,” Elkins said. “Our stroke coordinator is going to be talking about the signs and symptoms of stroke and what your risk factors are. We’re going to be doing a glucose check, and we’ve got some community partners here as well.”
Whether it’s lack of physical activity, smoking, or what you’re putting into your body can affect your heart.
“If those things are dangerous, there will be consequences. Maybe not now, but down the road when you get older with cardiovascular disease and obesity, which puts you at risk for having other health issues,” said Elkins.
It’s important to get yourself and your loved ones screened to ensure you give much love to your heart.
“I never would have thought I’d have a heart attack at 35 years old; very bad experience,” Coleman said. “It went on for 12 hours feeling like somebody punched me in the chest, and never let up until I went straight to the ER. Getting checked out never hurts, it could save your life.”
