Volusia County, FL - In honor of the 18th annual World Heart Day, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia (DOH-Volusia) and the World Heart Federation are raising awareness of cardiovascular disease and prevention.
On September 29, World Heart Day’s 2017 theme, “Share the Power,” will be celebrated. This year, the focus is on having a healthy heart as described in the slogan: “know your heart, fuel your heart, move your heart, and love your heart”
“Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in Volusia County,” said DOH-Volusia administrator, Patricia Boswell. “For the most part, this is a disease that can be controlled – if not prevented – by creating environments and opportunities to allow individuals to lead a healthy life. Heart disease prevention is a priority for not only the Department of Health but also for our community partners.”
In the U.S. and Florida, cardiovascular disease is the number one leading cause of death with one in four Americans and one in three Floridians dying from the disease every year. 50% of Americans either smoke, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol – three major risk factors for heart disease.
The population that is most at risk for heart disease is southeastern non-Hispanic African American individuals. 44% of African American men and 48% of African American women suffer from a cardiovascular disease in some capacity.
But, changes in lifestyle can increase your lifespan and prevent heart attacks and strokes. The DOH recommends you:
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
