Hampton student pharmacist Devin Jarvis conducts blood pressure screenings at a local church after an informative presentation about lifestyle changes to manage cardiovascular disease.
Did you know that heart disease kills more than 610,000 Americans each year, accounting for one in every four deaths? According to CDC, it is the leading cause of death among men and women. Cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and stroke, still remains the leading global cause of death at 31%, per the World Health Organization. In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds and heart disease results in health care costs of about $200 billion each year.
These dramatic findings have prompted me to encourage student pharmacists to have key conversations about heart disease this February, in commemoration of American Heart Month.
Hampton University activities
American Heart Month is a federally designated event aimed at raising awareness about cardiovascular disease. It is a great way to educate Americans on maintaining healthy hearts as well as encourage them to get their families, friends, and communities involved. February is probably one of the busiest months for various Operation Heart activities across the country. Last year, our chapter kicked off American Heart Month with National Wear Red Day by wearing red in support of women with heart disease. We also organized an educational workshop about heart disease at the local YMCA.
Outside of American Heart Month, our chapter has hosted various health fairs and educational events centered on cardiovascular disease in the community. Most recently, our Operation Heart members gave informative presentations about cardiovascular diseases at a local church. They were also able to perform blood pressure screenings at the event. Our chapter representatives have attended the annual Red Dress Tea held in the Hampton Roads community. This is a charity event hosted by the American Heart Association for survivors of heart disease. We have also shown support for survivors by participating in the Hampton Roads Heart Walks, performing screenings, and educating participants.
Make a difference
This February, you can have #HeartToHeart conversations about heart disease, both at home and in the community. Here are some key points about communicating about heart disease.
1. Find a good time to talk. Take the opportunity to have conversations and answer questions about heart disease with your loved ones, patients, or community members. At the dinner table, in the car, or via text, it is important to have a
#HeartToHeart.
2. Encourage healthy eating habits. Small changes can make a big difference. Educate your patients or community on healthy options when they go grocery shopping. Recommend items low in sodium, added sugar, and Trans fats, and make sure they stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Promote physical activity. Encourage your family members to exercise daily and aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Organize a community fitness class or challenge your peers to a friendly fitness or weight-loss competition.
4. Show support. Smokers who feel supported are more likely to successfully quit smoking. Have a #HeartToHeart with someone about tobacco use and ways to quit. Refer patients to appropriate local resources for support and further education.
5. Check in on health care. Remind family members to get their blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly. Educate patients on taking their medications as prescribed and possible adverse effects they may experience. Help family members set up a reminder system using a phone app or pillbox.
6. Reach out to your community. Conduct health fairs in your local community. Share healthy living tips and perform health screenings at local events. Sign up to walk in your local Heart Walk to raise funds to fight heart disease and stroke.
If you want to make a difference in the lives of your patients as a pharmacist, why not start while you are a student? Begin Your Legacy now.