Have a heart by saving a heart
If I live to be 70 years old, my heart will have beat more than 2.5 billion times. Each thump-thump of my heart adds up to more than 2,000 gallons of blood being pumped each day. In fact, my heart muscle does more work than any other muscle in my body. “My heart beats for you,” takes on a whole new meaning with those facts in mind. Since we consider February the month of hearts and romance, designating it National Heart Month is also very appropriate.
On Dec. 30, 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed that February 1964 would be our first American Heart Month. At that time, more than half the deaths in the U.S. were caused by cardiovascular disease. The hope was to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage families, friends and communities to help one another improve their heart health. Unfortunately, today, heart disease is still the leading cause of death in both men and women.
Statistically, 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, that’s an average of one death every 38 seconds. With those odds, chances are pretty good that you know someone affected by heart disease and stroke. Maybe this year during National Heart Month it is time to reach out to a friend or loved one and encourage them to make choices that will benefit their heart and yours.
Sometimes it is difficult to talk about health issues. Maybe you have tried before and the conversation did not go well or maybe you are just not sure how to begin. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has some great tips on their website, http://www.healthyfinder.gov. Try these suggestions for starting a dialogue with your friend or family member:
• Begin by saying that you care.
• Share the facts about heart disease.
• Explain that is possible to prevent heart disease.
• Finally, offer to help, because being healthy together is both easier and twice the fun.
For more information on healthy living and preventing heart disease, visit the Cooperative Extension Service website at http:// www.uaex.edu. If you have a group or class that would like to learn more about our programs or would like to learn ways to improve your health contact the Garland County Extension office at 236 Woodbine or call 501-623-6841. Like us on Facebook @garlandFCS or @GarlandEGF.
EHC information
Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC, call 623-6841 or email Alison Crane at acrane@uaex.edu. Follow Alison on Facebook @garlandEGF and @GarlandFCS, and EHC on Facebook @GarlandCountyEHC.
Master Gardeners
If you’re interested in becoming a Master Gardener and would like more information, you’re welcome to attend their monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge at 1 p.m. You may also call the Extension office at 623-6841 or email abates@uaex.edu. Follow Master Gardener events and information on Facebook — Garland County Master Gardeners.
4-H Information
We have several 4-H Clubs for our Garland County youth who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities there are, call the Extension office at 623-6841 or email Linda Bates at lbates@uaex.edu.