We’re seeing red!

It’s National Wear Red Day® and McLaren Macomb is marking the day by encouraging employees to wear red – part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of good heart health for women.

In the United States, heart disease is the number one killer of women. For more than 10 years, the American Heart Association has sponsored National Wear Red Day® to increase efforts in the fight against heart disease in women.

So grab something red to wear and remember these healthy heart tips: Try to exercise more and eat a wide variety of healthy foods. These should include:

• Fruits and vegetables: At least 4.5 cups a day
• Fish (preferably oily fish): At least two 3.5-ounce servings a week
• Fiber-rich whole grains: At least three 1-ounce-equivalent servings a day
• Sodium: Less than 1,500 mg a day
• Sugar-sweetened beverages: No more than 450 calories (36 ounces) a week

Want to learn more?

To learn more about women and heart disease, attend a free seminar at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the auditorium of McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens.

Dr. Beth Bowling, a board-certified interventional cardiologist with the Macomb Cardiovascular Institute, will discuss women and heart health.

To register for the free seminar, please call toll-free (855) 362-5273 or visit mclarenwomensheart.eventbrite.com. The program is part of the Mat Gaberty Heart Center’s Healthy

Is it a stroke?

See if you can spot one F.A.S.T.

Ask someone if they know the warning signs of a heart attack. Chances are, that person may be able to name at least one. The symptoms of a stroke, however, are less familiar.

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers an easy reminder to help us determine if someone is having a stroke. Using letters for the word “FAST” can help us remember what to look for:

• F. Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
• A. Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S. Speech Difficulty: Is the person’s speech slurred? Are they unable to speak? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as “the sky is blue.” Is it repeated correctly?
• T. Time for help: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 immediately to get them to the hospital.

Can stress cause a heart attack?

Health experts aren’t completely certain, but research shows that uncontrolled stress can have long-term effects on your health – and your heart.

Chronic stress forces the body to remain in “high gear” for too long. That takes a toll on your energy level and your immune system, which needs rest and relaxation to recharge and keep your body healthy.

What is a heart arrhythmia?

 Did you think about your heartbeat today?

If you’re like most Americans, you probably didn’t give it much thought, even though your heart was beating constantly, anywhere from 60 to 100 beats a minute.

Normally, the heart’s electrical system causes the heart muscle to contract in a regular, controlled pattern. However, a problem anywhere along the electrical pathway causes a disturbance in the heart rhythm. This could lead to an irregular heart rhythm or a heart rate that’s too fast or too slow.

When it’s your heart, do you know where to go?

Tick, tick, tick…

A few minutes can make a big difference during a heart attack.

So it’s a good idea to know where to go for the best cardiac care. In Macomb County, you’ll want to choose McLaren Macomb and the MatGaberty Heart Center.

With decades of experience and continuous advancement, McLaren Macomb offers the most comprehensive cardiovascular program in Macomb County. It’s also the place for personalized attention from top heart specialists, along with advanced technology, including stress tests offered seven days a week for more immediate diagnosis of potential heart problems.

Looking for a few more reasons to choose McLaren Macomb for cardiac care?  Click through for a few:

Open Your Heart & Share Your Story...You could win a $100 gift card!

Heart disease is the number one killer of women.

Each year, thousands of women die from heart disease in the U.S. Healthier living and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce this figure.  The first step is education.

McLaren Macomb is a proud sponsor of Go Red for Women. This American Heart Association program is designed to educate women on heart disease and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. As part of this initiative, McLaren Macomb invites women to share their heart health stories.

 

See below for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

McLaren Macomb Recognized for Quality in Cardiac Care

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has recognized McLaren Macomb  as one of the first hospitals in the nation to receive a Blue Distinction Center^SM designation in the area of cardiac care, as part of the Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care® program.

Blue Distinction Centers are hospitals shown to deliver quality specialty care based on objective, transparent measures for patient safety and health outcomes that were developed with input from the medical community. This year, the national program has added a new designation level, Blue Distinction Centers, to recognize hospitals that deliver both quality and cost-efficient specialty care.
In 2006, the Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care program was developed to help patients find quality providers for their specialty care needs while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver.

Stroke Awareness: Think F.A.S.T.

When the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off due to a ruptured blood vessel or greatly reduced due to a vessel blockage, it affects and can potentially damage the functionality of brain cells. This event is called a stroke and it is a medical emergency. Seek medical attention immediately. A loss of blood supply lasting several hours or more will permanently damage or kill brain cells.