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Paul Chapman had a full agenda scheduled for last Saturday – golf in the morning, a possible run in the afternoon. His wife, Diana, had also registered the couple to attend a free heart screening at mid-day, an appointment that, earlier in the week, Paul would have gladly traded out for some extra time on the putting green.
By late Saturday afternoon, Chapman realized that spending 25 minutes to check his heart may end up adding years to his life and his golf game.
Around 150 people attended the screening on April 12 at Valley Health and Education Center, an event that included over half-a-dozen tests for heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol and hypertension. For Chapman, an active man in his 60s with a family history of heart trouble, the screening provided some enlightening insight.
“I shouldn’t be ignoring what I found out today,” he said.
After stopping at two test stations, attendees reviewed the results with representatives from the School of Nursing at Washington State University. Red flags such as high blood pressure were indicated on a stroke risk assessment form. Those who went through the screening were encouraged to review the form with their doctor.
At the blood pressure/cholesterol station, WSU nursing student Dana Larson said regular checkups are vital since many symptoms of heart disease are silent.
“You really don’t know what’s going on until you have those screenings,” Larson said. “It’s important to have a yearly checkup just to be aware of what your heart health is.”
C. William Britt, a board certified neurologist at Holy Family Hospital, said maintaining a healthy body weight, lowering cholesterol, staying away from tobacco products and exercising regularly are keys in avoiding heart disease. Screenings are also an important part of the mix, Britt added. Approximately 65 percent of women and 50 percent of men experience no outward symptoms prior to suffering a heart attack.
Ron and Shelly Gold attended last year’s free screening at Holy Family and were back to check their numbers this year. The couple described how two of their friends – both under 50 – had passed away in recent months after suffering strokes.
“Just because you’re younger, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have your heart checked,” said Shelly. “Screenings like these could have saved our friends.
The Golds have instituted a number of changes to improve their heart health, including increased exercise and cutting back on fatty foods as well as drive-thru meals. Even small adjustments, like parking farther away at the grocery store to get in a brisk walk, have helped, Shelly said.
The modern-day sedentary lifestyle with its emphasis on television and video games continues to wreak havoc on heart wellness, according to the American Heart Association which called physical inactivity “a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.”
“It’s a serious problem,” said Brian Zbyiski, a WSU nursing student. “Parents need to set limits on TV and the computer and make sure exercise is a priority for their entire family.”
Taking reasonable steps – going on short walks instead of trying to train for a marathon – is a good way to start a regular exercise routine, Zbyiski added.
“Too many people give up on exercise because they burn out too early,” he said.
Eating smarter can be an important key to maintaining a healthy heart, according to literature published by Spokane’s Sacred Heart Medical Center. Processed items with high levels of salt, transfat and sugar top the list of harmful foods. Instead, SHMC recommends meals rich with grains such as brown rice and whole wheat, fish, vegetables and chicken – grilled, not fried. Ideally, half of a meal should include fruits and vegetables with lean protein (chicken, fish) constituting 25 percent and starches and whole grains being included in the remaining 25 percent.
Attendees at the screening were also provided with information on the signs of stroke, the No. 1 cause of disability in the U.S. Symptoms include numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs, dizziness, confusion or severe headaches. Julie Berdis of Sacred Heart Medical Center said if warning signs are evident, treatment should be sought right away.
“It can be a pretty devastating event,” Berdis said. “A quick response means saving brain cells.”
As he left the screening with his wife, Chapman said he would start making some changes at home, including reductions in red meat and coffee. A visit to his doctor would also be in the works.
“I’m glad I showed up today,” Chapman said. “These are some numbers I should pay attention to.”
Want to find out more?
To learn more about heart health, contact the American Heart Association, toll-free, at 1-800-242-8721 or visit www.americanheart.org. Valley Hospital and Medical Center offers free blood pressure and osteoporosis checks each Tuesday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 924-2630. Community Health Education and Resources will sponsor another heart screening at the Heart Health Conference on Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at Deaconess Hospital. For information about the conference and other health education events, call 232-8154 or visit www.cherspokane.org.
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By
Craig Howard
