Page 81 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

THE STATISTICS TELL THE STORY AMONG STATE RESIDENTS:
21% have died from heart disease
4% have died from stroke
34% have been told they have high blood pressure 30% reported no physical activity in the past month 37% of adults are overweight or obese
18% of children are overweight or obese
27% of adults smoke.
Antoine Rizk, MD FACC, FSCAI and Paul Mullen, MD FACC, FACP, FSCAI
is proud to support The American Heart Association
1391 Broad Ave., Gulfport | 1756 Popps Ferry Rd., Biloxi | 228.863.8868
GIVING BACK life is why
Teaching Gardens have been planted for children so they may learn the value of good eating habits.
2017 Heart Walk
story by Lynn Lofton
photos courtesy of American Heart Association
The American Heart Association
is making a difference in the local community as well as nationwide through research and educational programs.
AHA research has led to breakthroughs including the statin drug category and CPR techniques and guidelines. The AHA funds more research than any U.S. organization except the federal government. “In all, we spend nearly 80 cents of every dollar on research, education and community,” local AHA spokesman Evan Duffy said. “Research dollars support scientific studies seeking new discoveries related to causes, prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke.”
This research is crucial to Mississippi, a state with high numbers for heart disease and stroke victims.
“We funded $3,873,713 in heart disease and stroke research in the state,” Duffy said.
“The American Heart Association is working
to change these facts by building a culture of health,” Duffy said. “We are working to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent, and reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent, all by the year 2020.”
That would mean 1,460 Mississippi lives saved per year.
As part of the changing culture, AHA points out that five Coast hospitals received ‘Get With The Guidelines’ awards, demonstrating a commitment to quality health care. Also, three teaching gardens have been planted in state schools so children may learn the value of good eating habits.
American Heart Association
2159 E. Pass Rd., Gulfport | 228.604.5301 www.heart.org
Teaching CPR techniques
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December 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 81