RHHD encourage community to prioritize heart health
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In honor of American Heart Month, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts have encouraged the community to prioritize heart health.
Virginia Department of Health (VDH) chronic disease data from 2023 show that Richmond and Henrico County had hospitalizations and death rates for cardiovascular disease higher than statewide rates.
In addition, according to Center for Disease Control (CDC) data from 2023, heart disease was the leading cause of death in Virginia, Richmond and Henrico County.
"Heart health continues to be one of the top areas of health focus in our community," said RHHD community health nurse supervisor Virginia Slattum. "Our 2024 Community Health Assessment showed that Richmond and Henrico residents and community partners see chronic disease as a top health priority. We look forward to continuing this collaboration to support heart health in the region. We encourage folks to promote their own heart health by quitting smoking, getting regular physical exercise and eating heart-healthy foods."
RHHD offered the following tips that community members can take to prioritize heart health:
- Check your blood pressure. Read more about ways to prevent and manage high blood pressure and follow tips for talking with a doctor to manage and check your blood pressure. You can also measure and track your blood pressure at home.
- Take steps to quit smoking by contacting RHHD’s Free From Tobacco program on the web or by calling 804-482-8018. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers Quit Now Virginia, which includes free telephone or web-based counseling services, Text2Quit support, self-help materials and referrals to local resources. Call 1-800-784-8669 or learn more at the Quit Now Virginia Website.
- Choose healthy meals and snacks. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet and choose foods lower in sodium and saturated fat. Try heart-healthy recipes from the American Heart Association.
- Make physical activity a regular part of your day. Adults should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This type of exercise could be a brisk walk, running or bicycling. Learn more about ways to increase your physical activity throughout the day.
- Get vaccinated. Flu, RSV and pneumococcal vaccines have been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory events in older adults. Adults over 65 and people with chronic conditions are particularly susceptible to severe complications from these illnesses. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults live with some type of cardiovascular disease and are more likely to experience severe illness that may result in hospitalization or death.
