February: the month of love, valentines, and hearts…heart
health, that is. February is Heart Health Month, and it’s about time we
Americans showed our hearts a little TLC.
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease
is the leading cause of death in the United States with approximately 2,200
deaths every day. 2,200 deaths a day equates to 803,000 each year. Those are disheartening
statistics, but take heart; there are ways to prevent heart disease!
Prevention begins with:
- Choosing a healthy eating plan.
- Being physically active.
- Learning the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke.
- Stopping tobacco use. Tobacco usage is directly linked to heart disease, cancer, and many other conditions.
- Reducing stress in your life.
- Knowing your heart health.
Knowing your heart health begins with a conversation between
you and your primary healthcare providers. With the Affordable Care Act,
insurance carriers must cover preventive screenings for cholesterol and high
blood pressure without the subscriber having to pay a copayment or co-insurance
or meet the deductible. This applies only when these services are delivered by
a network provider. Medicare Part B and Medicaid in Iowa cover screening blood
screening tests for cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels every five
years, when ordered by a physician, to help diagnose and prevent a heart attack
or stroke.
Follow the recommended screenings for your age and gender,
including your heart health screenings. Grinnell Regional Public Health has
free blood pressure screenings every Thursday, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Light
Center for Community Health. However, the medical center will no longer host a
public cholesterol screening in February, due to the expanded insurance
coverage of screenings from the ACA legislation.
Take some time to show your heart some love during Heart
Health Month. For more information about local resources, call the GRMC
Wellness Services department at 641-236-2999, or speak with your primary care
provider.
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