MANCHESTER, NH – The American Heart and Stroke Association will collaborate with Catholic Medical Center as a sponsor of its “Life is Why” campaign, one of only a few sponsorships of its kind in the nation.
Life is Why is a national American Heart Association brand emphasizing the emotional connection to the work of the American Heart Association. The campaign encourages everyone to consider what or who they are living for, and turn that into their personal motivation for making small changes in their lifestyles that will result in a healthier, happier and longer life with their loved ones.
Through this year-long partnership, CMC and the American Heart Association will be focused on opportunities to educate the entire community on how they can prevent heart disease for themselves and their families.
“We appreciate the opportunity to help educate the public about heart health and the potentially life-saving choices people can make every day,” said Louis Fink, MD, FACC, Executive Medical Director of the New England Heart and Vascular Institute at CMC. “Partnering with the American Heart Association on Life is Why is a great way for us at CMC to reinforce that outreach.”
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States. However, 80 percent of heart disease and stroke-related illnesses are preventable by knowing your numbers and making heart-healthy lifestyle changes, such as getting more active and eating healthier.
CMC’s efforts will help educate all adults in New Hampshire on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7, highlighting the seven risk factors for heart disease and stroke including: smoking, weight management, cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood glucose, nutrition and physical activity. They will also actively promote employee wellness and CPR education within New Hampshire schools.
“We are thrilled to work with Catholic Medical Center on this year-round Life Is Why campaign to have a substantial impact on the health of our community,” said Donna Stevens, Executive Director of the NH Chapter of the American Heart Association. “We share a common goal of wanting to have a direct impact on reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke, together our reach is stronger and I look forward to what we will accomplish.”
About Life’s Simple 7
Manage Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer.
Learn how to manage your blood pressure.
Control Cholesterol
High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.
Learn how to control your cholesterol.
Reduce Blood Sugar
Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.
Learn how to reduce your blood sugar.
Get Active
Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life.
Learn how to get active.
Eat Better
A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. When you eat a heart-healthy diet, you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy – for life!
Learn how to eat better.
Lose Weight
When you shed extra fat and unnecessary pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. You give yourself the gift of active living, you lower your blood pressure and you help yourself feel better, too.
Learn how to lose weight.
Stop Smoking
Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
Learn how to stop smoking.