Every year 790,000 Americans have a heart attack.  About 15% of people who have a heart attack will die from it.  A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart is cut off.  Cells in the heart muscle that do not receive enough oxygen-carrying blood begin to die.  The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart.

Risk factors include high blood cholesterol; smoking; having had a previous heart attack or stroke; diabetes.

Recognize the signs of a heart attack and act immediately by calling 911.   Chest pain or discomfort; Discomfort in other areas of the upper body; shortness of breath; cold sweat; nausea; light-headedness.  All signs are not necessarily apparent.

Be Aware!    Move More!   Eat Smart!    Manage Blood Pressure!

Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition, affecting more than 30 million adults in the United States, yet people in the early stages may not have symptoms. 

You are at risk for Kidney Disease if you:  Have diabetes; Have high blood pressure: Have a family member with kidney disease; Are African American, Hispanic; Native American; Are over 60 years old. 

Healthy Behaviors include: Regular check-ups with your doctor; A low-fat diet; Taking medicines prescribed by your doctor; Regular exercise; Avoiding tobacco and alcohol use.

Autism is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges.  The learning, communication, and problem-solving abilities of people with autism can range from gifted to severely challenged.  Throughout April, there are a number of ways we can work together to increase awareness and acceptance of people with autism and their families including participating in Autism Speaks- Wear Blue, Share Blue, and Light It Up Blue campaigns.

A stroke occurs when a part of the brain is damaged as a result of interrupted or poor blood flow to the brain.  This may occur when an artery going to the brain gets clogged or closes off and that part of the brain is without blood for too long.  Also, if an artery breaks open and starts bleeding into or around the brain.  The affects of a stroke vary according to the part of the brain affected and how quickly treatment is received.

Signs to look for when a stroke is suspected:

Balance - Sudden loss of balance or coordination.

Eyes - Sudden blurred or double vision or sudden, persistent vision trouble.

Face - Uneven or drooping on one side.

Arm - Weakness or numbness in one or both arms; unable to hold arm(s) out.

Speech - Trouble speaking; strange sounding speech.

Time - Call 911 quickly.  The sooner treatment is received the better the chances of recovery.

TIA - (transient ischemic attack) is like a stroke but does not damage the brain.  This can happen when an artery in the brain gets clogged or closes off and then reopens on its own; or a blood clot forms and then moves away or dissolves.

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example.

Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia. 

Alzheimers is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions.  Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms.  No cure exists, but medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.

Lupus occurs when the body's immune system begins to attack itself. When the body is working normally, the its immune system kills germs and "bad" cells that could turn into cancer.  Sometimes, instead of killing only bad cells, something goes wrong and the immune system starts to attack healthy cells.  Some symptoms could include:  feeling tired; weight loss/gain; fevers; headaches; rash on nose and/or cheeks shaped like a butterfly; hair loss; chest pain; trouble breathing; bruising; joint pain and stiffness; swelling in hands, fee, belly or around the eyes; sores in the mouth; cold finger or toes that turn pale or blue; urine that looks 'tea-colored' or foamy.

Treatments may include medication; healthy diet; maintain an active lifestyle.

Skin Cancer is the cancer you can SEE,  It is the most common cancer in the United States.  It often goes undetected in the early stages.  The campaign, Big See, asks that you keep these three simple words in mind:  NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL.

When was the last time you checked to see if your immune system is up to date?  Many diseases can be easily prevented by administering vaccines, and thus protecting you from unseen viruses.  

1797 - Edward Jenner develops and documents the first vaccine for smallpox.

1955 - Polio vaccine is given in two doses  and it helps 90% or more individuals develop protective antibodies to all three serotypes of polio.  At least 99% are immune to polio following three doses.

1958 - Measles met its match

1995 - Chickenpox vaccine in one dose can prevent 95% of moderate disease and 100% of severe disease.

Most prostate cancer grows slowly and don't cause any health problems in men who have them.  Those found by screening are small and slow growing and may not be fatal.  

One screening test for prostate cancer is a blood test, which can be abnormal for several reasons besides prostate cancer.  The only way to know if an abnormal test is due to cancer is to do a biopsy (a minor surgery to get small pieces of the prostate to look at under a microscope).

Treatment in the event that prostate cancer is diagnosed will be discussed with your doctor.

Breast Cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide. There is currently insufficient knowledge on the cause of breast cancer, therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control.  Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to cause symptoms.

There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all.