Methodist Healthcare Ministries supports American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is proudly participating in American Heart Month. Locally, nearly 28 percent of San Antonio area deaths each year are attributed to cardiovascular disease.

The good news is heart disease can often be prevented when people make health choices and manage their health conditions.

MHM is joining efforts with communities, health professionals and families to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.

• On Feb. 6, MHM is participating in National Wear Red Day®. Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women because it's not just a man's disease. In fact, more women than men die every year from heart disease and stroke. National Wear Red Day® — the first Friday each February — is a day to bring attention to this staggering fact. You're encouraged to wear red, know your cardiovascular risk and take action to live longer, healthier lives. For more information, please visit GoRedForWomen.org. MHM is also a table sponsor for the Go Red for Women Summit in San Antonio on Feb. 6.
• On Feb. 28 the Vestido Rojo...De Todo Corazón Women's Conference will take place in San Antonio. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for Hispanic women. The Vestido Rojo conference is being held in conjunction with Go Red Por Tu Corazon, the American Heart Association's nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion and power of Hispanic women to band together and wipe out heart disease. Vestido Rojo is an initiative to address the needs of Hispanic women in San Antonio. For more information, click here. MHM is a community partner sponsor for Vestido Rojo.
• Throughout the month of February, MHM will use its social media presence to spread the word about strategies for preventing heart disease and encourage people to live heart healthy lives.

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:

• Watch your weight.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get active and eat healthy.

For more information, visit MHM.org.