Finish the Month of Love by Committing to a Healthy Heart | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    In North Carolina, roughly a third of all deaths are caused by heart disease. And many of these deaths are preventable.

    North Carolina has the 2nd largest rural population in the United States. The Washington Post ran a story last month saying rural communities have significantly higher death rates from the top five killers - with heart attacks the second highest among rural residents. Our state's population distribution combined with poor health factors - more smoking, more obesity, etc. - create a dangerous mixture for our state's overall health.

    February is National Heart Health Month, but for family physicians, every month is heart health month. We know the importance of making healthy choices to prevent heart disease. Still, we want to take this extra opportunity to help our patients, our families and our communities understand that healthy life choices lead to better heart health.

    Family physicians know the truth in the old axiom that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we are dedicated to helping you prevent heart disease instead of treating the effects of bad choices. We want to be your partner in helping you make better dietary choices, assistance in smoking cessation and encourage participation in exercise programs, coupled with more frequent monitoring of your blood pressure and vital signs.

    Shannon Adler wrote for men to "carve their name on hearts, not tombstone." This sentiment is resounding for our community. Every healthy heart converted is another tombstone delayed. Your family physician stands ready to help you do just that.

    During this National Heart Month, take a moment to recommit yourself to cardiovascular health. Both you and those who care about you will be thankful that you did.

• Contact: Charles Rhodes, MD
•     NC Academy of Family Physicians