Cardiovascular Professionals Celebrated During February, American Heart Month

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aha-2During the month of February, Cardiovascular Professionals at UM Shore Regional Health observed American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease and the various ways it can be prevented. One in four deaths are caused by heart disease making it the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. The three major risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Other risk factors include having diabetes, inactivity, eating an unhealthy diet, obesity and family history.
The good news? In many cases, heart disease can be prevented by making healthier lifestyle choices regarding diet and exercise, and by managing any chronic medical conditions that you may have.
Not just during American Hearth Month, but all year through, the cardiovascular professionals at UM Shore Regional Health encourage you to:

  • Know your numbers: be aware of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and consult with your medical provider about ways to keep your numbers within normal limits
  • Know the warning signs of a heart attack: the chances of surviving a heart attack are greater the sooner you receive emergency treatment
  • And finally, make sure you are receiving proper medical care from a provider you trust.

Various events took place throughout the month to raise awareness about heart health.

Donna Neff and Judi Willock at Friends and Family CPR.
Donna Neff and Judi Willock at Friends and Family CPR.

Sixteen community members participated in the Family and Friends CPR Event held at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown on February 16. Family and Friends CPR is for people who want to learn CPR, but do not need a CPR course completion card for their job. This course is ideal for family members and friends of persons with medical problems as well as those interested in learning how to save a life. Another class is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16 from 2-4:30pm, which will be held in the Education Center at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. To register, call Sherrie Hill at 410-778-3300, ext. 2222.

Sarah Hughes, RN; Matthew Roberts, MS, ACSM-CEP; and Tracy Supcoe, RN, BSN of the Cardiac Rehab Program at UM SMC at Easton.
Sarah Hughes, RN; Matthew Roberts, MS, ACSM-CEP; and Tracy Supcoe, RN, BSN of the Cardiac Rehab Program at UM SMC at Easton.

In observation of National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week – Sunday, February 14-Saturday, February 20 – the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at UM Shore Medical Centers at Chestertown, Dorchester and Easton held several activities to celebrate the life-saving impact of cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation has a vital role in reducing the effects of heart disease and improving quality of life for patients and their families. To learn more about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, call:
UM SMC at Chestertown – 410-778-3300, ext. 2222
UM SMC at Dorchester – 410-228-5511, ext. 8201
UM SMC at Easton – 410-822-1000, ext. 5208
During Cardiovascular Professionals Week– Sunday, February 14-Saturday, February 20 – several events were held including an “Ask the Expert” event for team members and volunteers. Stations included Cardiology, which offered EKGs; Respiratory, which offered pulse ox exams; Vascular, which offered ABIs; Cardiac Rehabilitation, which offered blood pressure screenings and information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program; and the Sleep Lab, which had an informational booth. Dr. John Condit of UM Community Medical Group – Cardiology, was also on hand for Q&A. In addition, daily activities were set up in the cafeteria at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton.
Several members of the Cardiovascular team at UM Shore Regional Health.
Several members of the Cardiovascular team at UM Shore Regional Health