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BERGEN COUNTY EXECUTIVE ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY
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(HACKENSACK) Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney and the Department of Health Services would like to remind residents that Friday, February 5th, is National Wear Red Day when people are asked to wear red to increase awareness for women's heart disease. |
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"Heart disease is preventable; however, more women have died due to cardiovascular disease than by cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, Alzheimer's disease, accidents and diabetes combined," said McNerney. "I encourage everyone to take part in Wear Red Day observances for our wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends." |
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Although significant progress has been made to increase awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women- from 34% in 2000 to 69% in 2009- most fail to make the connection between its risk factors and their personal risk of developing heart disease. Two things you can do to make a difference in your health are to learn the warning signs of a heart attack and to know your own risk factors. |
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Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, causing the person to gasp dramatically, clutch her or his chest and drop to the ground. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often the people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. |
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There are differences in how women and men respond to a heart attack. Women are less likely than men to believe they're having a heart attack and more likely to delay in seeking emergency treatment. The most common heart attack symptom in both women and men is chest pain or discomfort. But, women are more likely than men to experience other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. |
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If you or someone you know shows signs of heart attack or stroke, call 9-1-1 right away. An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team can begin treatment upon arrival. EMS teams are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped, which saves hundreds of lives each year. |
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Changes in lifestyle could decrease a person's risk of heart disease. Below are some risk factors: |
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- Cigarette and tobacco smoke - For quitting smoking, think about saving the money you're spending on tobacco for a fun famiily trip.
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- High blood cholesterol levels - Start to eat more whole grains, delicious fresh fruit and vegetables. Watch your sodium intake, especially if your blood pressure is high.
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- High blood pressure - For reducing stress, make time for your favority hobby or have lunch at your favority restaurant with your best friend just to treat yourself.
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- Physical inactivity - For physical activity, walk, jog, cycle or dance with someone you love.
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- Obesity and overweight- Balance diet and physical activity to reach or maintain a healthy weight.
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- Diabetes mellitus - If you have diabetes or are pre-diabetic, know your numbers! Controlling your blood glucose helps reduce your risk for heart disease.
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For more information on National Wear Red Day visit http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx. You can also contact the Bergen County Department of Health Services at 201-634-2704. For information on quitting smoking, call the Bergen County Community Tobacco Program at 201-643-2707. |
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