Month calls attention to dangers of heart disease

We've spent most of this month talking about the effects of methamphetamine use, including the damage it can cause to the heart, so as February draws to a close, it's fitting to note that February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one killer of all Americans, taking the lives of 700,000 of our friends, relatives and co-workers each year.

Through prevention, education and emergency response training, though, you have the opportunity to make a difference in your own life and possibly the life of someone else.

First, protect yourself from heart disease by following these guidelines:

n Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Focus on good nutrition rather than fad diets.

n Be physically active every day. Aim for exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

n Avoid or reduce preventable risk factors such as stress, smoking, alcohol intake, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Second, learn the warning signs of a heart attack. Early detection saves lives. Call emergency medical services immediately if you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms of a heart attack:

n Chest pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck or jaw

n Sweating and shortness of breath

n Nausea or vomiting

n Dizziness or fainting

n Palpitations or rapid heart beats

Finally, remember that in an emergency, every second counts. Knowing what to do before help arrives can mean the difference between life and death.

Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or automated external defibrillation (AED) within proper timeframes can significantly increase chances of survival.

Whether you take a first-aid, CPR or AED course, the knowledge and skills you acquire may make a significant difference in someone's life.

n Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital. The information and statistics in this article were provided courtesy of the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control.