Hearty about healthy hearts

Photo By Marcy Sanchez | William Beaumont Army Medical Center beneficiaries pick up information regarding healthy eating, weight management, stress management and eliminating tobacco use, during an information event at The Spc. Hugo V. Mendoza Soldier Family Care Center, Feb. 17. February is designated as American Heart Month and promotes healthy life choices to combat heart disease, the United States’ leading cause of death.  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

03.10.2017

Story by Marcy Sanchez  

William Beaumont Army Medical Center

In 2014, over 27 million adults in the United States were diagnosed with heart disease. That’s more than 11 percent of the adult population.

February is designated as American Heart Month. In recognition, William Beaumont Army Medical Center’s Preventive Medicine educated beneficiaries and the Fort Bliss community on healthy heart habits and hearty tactics to prevent ailment.

February’s designation as American Heart Month dates back to 1964, when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation designating the month. At the time, heart disease accounted for half of all deaths in the United States. While heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as the population has increased since 1964, the number of deaths caused by heart disease has remained relatively steady.

According to the American Heart Association, Americans can combat the disease through healthy eating, weight management, physical activity, stress management and eliminating tobacco use.

“It’s very important to eat healthy,” said 1st Sgt. Elizabeth Peterson, first sergeant, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division. “A lot of Soldiers will be running and just collapse and we don’t know what’s wrong with them.”

Peterson is no stranger to monitoring her heart’s health as she was previously diagnosed with high blood pressure.

“I didn’t have proper nutrition,” said Peterson, a native of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Peterson began watching what she ate, including serving portions, and increased her physical activity.

“Now my blood pressure is right where it needs to be at,” said Peterson. “If Soldiers come to Fort Bliss and (WBAMC) is promoting health awareness, Soldiers will get the tools to stop smoking or help with weight (management).

“Go see your doctor and make sure you talk about your health, blood pressure, cholesterol, all that,” recommended Peterson.

• Date Taken: 03.10.2017
• Date Posted: 03.10.2017 17:34
• Story ID: 226538
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US