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On February 4 the Pocahontas County Extension Service and Pocahontas Memorial Hospital hosted a “Love Your Heart” Luncheon to raise awareness of National Heart Health Month.
Heart and blood vessel disease is our nation’s number 1 killer. About half of the deaths from heart and blood vessel disease are from coronary heart disease, which includes heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, about 325,000 people a year die of coronary attack before they get to a hospital or emergency room. West Virginia ranks fourth among all states in the nation for heart disease death rates.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring healthy “red” foods and shared an hour of fellowship and education on the signs of a heart attack and how we can lower our risk of heart disease. Handouts, giveaways and door prizes were all part of the fun.
If you suspect a heart attack is happening to you or another person, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not delay seeking help. The American Heart Association reports that half of all people having a heart attack wait more than two hours before getting help. A delay seeking help is dangerous and can result in lasting damage to your heart or even death.
Don’t “wait it out.”
