February marks American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to focus on heart disease awareness and prevention. In Knox County, heart disease was the leading cause of death in 2019, underscoring the need for education and proactive health measures.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., affecting millions annually. It is often linked to lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity. While conditions like high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes can increase heart disease risk, they can often be managed with treatment. Prevention is the most effective strategy for a healthy heart. Simple steps like regular exercise, balanced diets, quitting smoking, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce risk.
For those with heart-related conditions, Knox Community Hospital (KCH) offers comprehensive cardiovascular care, including advanced diagnostic testing, minimally invasive procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation. This medically supervised program helps patients recover from heart events, regain strength, and lower the risk of future issues.
This American Heart Month, commit to your heart health. Talk with your healthcare provider about prevention strategies or take steps toward a healthier lifestyle. For more information, call Knox Community Hospital at 740.397.5400. KCH, located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, is a 99-bed, Joint Commission-accredited, independent, not-for-profit community hospital with additional services in Centerburg and Fredericktown.
