TOLEDO, Ohio — Valentine's Day is always in the midst of American Heart Month, a month meant to encourage people to focus on their cardiovascular health.
In partnership with the American Heart Association, doctors at Mercy Health Toledo have been working to spread heart health education within the Toledo community, including college campuses, senior centers, and even local libraries.
A large portion of that education includes knowing the number one defense against heart disease and stroke.
Dr. Heminder Singh, a Mercy Health Toledo cardiologist, gave tips to help keep you from becoming a statistic:
- Taking care of your heart starts by building a healthy lifestyle with a nutritional plan.
- Singh explained the plan should include a diet that is low in sodium, salts, saturated fats and trans fats. It should also be high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and complex greens.
- Physical activity is important. Sitting less and walking more can help control certain risk factors like high blood pressure high Cholesterol and being overweight.
"If we look at the numbers from American Heart Association data, around 16 million Americans above age 20 suffer from some form of heart disease and strokes, and around 800,000 people every year suffer from a heart attack so it's very important to look at the data, know your numbers and risk factors and then act accordingly," said Singh.
Mercy Health Community Nurses are available at Toledo Public Lucas County Libraries to conduct free flu shots, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight screenings.
No appointment are needed and all services are first-come, first served.
2024 Blood Pressure initiative Schedule :
First Mondays | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lagrange
First Mondays | 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Mott
Second Tuesdays | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Sanger
Fourth Tuesdays | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Heatherdowns
First Wednesdays | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Maumee
First Wednesdays | 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. | South
Fourth Wednesdays | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | King Road
Fourth Thursdays | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Washington
Fourth Thursdays | 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. | West Toledo
First Fridays | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Main Library
Third Fridays | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Oregon
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