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February is Heart Month! Time for Healthy Reminders.
February is American Heart Month, the perfect time for healthy reminders about the importance of understanding risk factors for heart disease and how to live a heart-healthy life. Practicing self-care can keep our hearts healthy. Being physically active, eating healthier foods, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and finding healthy ways to reduce stress can help prevent heart disease. When we take care of our hearts, we set an example for those around us to do the same.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) offers free online quick reference tools such as Tips for a Healthy Heart. This fact sheet provides an overview of what self-care for your heart means. It also offers ideas on how to make your heart health part of your self-care routine, and the benefits of doing so.
Breathing is a crucial part of heart health yet is not something people tend to think about. But when every single breath you take becomes a struggle, each breath is a reminder of your condition. The Cardiopulmonary Department at Hammond-Henry Hospital understands these struggles and is well equipped to help you manage and even improve symptoms.
The term cardiopulmonary disease describes a range of conditions that affect the heart and lungs. These organs are closely connected, and a problem in one can spill over to the other. For example, when the heart is not able to pump blood efficiently, normal oxygen movement in the lungs is reduced, causing shortness of breath.
What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)?
PFTs are non-invasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.
Do you need Pulmonary Function Tests?
There are many different reasons why pulmonary function tests are done. Sometimes healthy people have PFTs as part of a routine physical. They are also routinely done in certain types of work environments. Most commonly, PFTs are performed to assist your healthcare provider in diagnosing health conditions.
To give you and your provider the best picture of your health, Hammond-Henry Hospital performs the following Cardiopulmonary Tests:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) - screening for peripheral vascular disease
- Complete Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) / Bronchial Challenge Testing; (testing for reactive airway disease)
- Echocardiograms (adult and pediatric)
- Electrocardiograms (ECG)
- Holter Monitoring (both 24 and 48 hours)
- 30-Day Event Monitoring
- Segmental Blood Pressures
- Stress Echocardiograms
- Stress Testing (routine and pharmacological)
The Cardiopulmonary Team at Hammond-Henry Hospital will develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific needs and goals. Our cardiopulmonary specialist will perform a medical evaluation. Then, we’ll talk with you about preventive strategies and build a plan to suit your needs, communicating with your primary healthcare provider.
Health Series – February Topic is Heart Health for Women!
In an effort to engage with the community and bring educational opportunities to our area, the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation sponsors our Health Series.
February features the Women’s Health Topic, “Heart Health” at Noon on February 23.
- Fee: $10 with lunch included (Reservations Required – call 309-944-6431)
- Geneseo Community Center, Activity Room, 541 E. North St., Geneseo, IL
Hammond-Henry Hospital wants to help you enjoy moments every day with every healthy breath you take. Learn more about our Cardiopulmonary Services and also our Community Education and Training with many options to help educate about health topics and even life-saving techniques.