Ed Smith spoke with Kristy Smorol, the Communications Director with the American Heart Association of Western and Central New York.
-Kristy talked about the importance of talking to your family members about heart health and family health history when getting together for the holidays.
-Understanding your personal health history can better help your doctor and you mitigate future health issues.
-Kristy said that 80% of heart issues are lifestyle related and 20% are genetic so it’s important to know your family health history and be proactive about being healthier.
-She talked about how the holidays can be stressful for some people and encouraged them to continue to take care of themselves.
-She encouraged people to practice food moderation and to continue to keep moving or get some exercise.
-Kristy talked about the difference between a stroke and a heart attack and the warning signs of each.
-She encouraged people to learn the acronym, FAST. Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and time for it’s time to call 911.
-Kristy said they continue to advocate for better women’s health and trying to get women to advocate for their health.
-She said that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States.
-She encouraged people to try simple ways of getting more physical activity into their daily lives, such as parking further out in the parking lot or taking the stairs.