80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable.
Do you know your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar numbers? Dr. Hemraj Makwana from the Lima Memorial Health System Heart and Vascular Institute told us that knowing your numbers is the first step to avoiding cardiovascular disease. "We tell them what to do, and if they know what to do, 80% of people don't have a heart attack. If somebody has a heart attack, we are missing something." Dr. Makwana says that you can live a longer, healthier, and more enjoyable life by reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, eating less sugar and salt, not smoking, exercising at least 30 minutes a day five days a week, keeping your weight under control, and sleeping well. If you experience chest pain, neck pain, arm pain, back pain or stomach pain, Dr. Makwana says we should call 9-1-1 immediately, since the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome. Dr. Makwana encourages us to contact Lima Memorial to schedule low-cost vascular and calcium screenings which can help determine if you have any blockage.
Also at Monday's meeting, Dr. Hubbell gave us an update on the Empowering Girls Committee. They and members of the Bath High School Interact Club passed out water at STEAM on the Quad Sunday. They will also be working with the girls in the C-TAG (Closing The Achievement Gap) program at North Middle School to help the girls succeed.