February is Heart Health Month and Suzanne Riley with the American Heart Association spoke with the Rotary Club of Hopkinsville about what people can do to live longer, heart healthier lives.
Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death not only in the nation, but in the world. Riley urges people to know what their blood pressure numbers are, because high blood pressure is a huge risk factor for heart disease.
She says there are several simple steps one can take to reduce the risk of heart disease—although not always easy, she says—including eating healthier, keeping track of your BMI and other numbers, and regularly exercising.
Riley says the Heart Association is working constantly to bring awareness of heart disease to the public and encourage heathier life styles to try and reduce the numbers of death and illness.
The local Heart Walk will take place on April 20 at the Western Kentucky Fairgrounds and all money raised by the event goes to fund medical research, advocacy and educational programs. To donate, become involved in the walk or to learn more about heart health, visit heart.org.