WITH “Heart Week” running from 5-11 May, the Macksville Medical Centre is encouraging the community to take positive steps to reduce heart disease risk.
The centre recommends a Heart Health Check, a 20-minute check up with your GP to assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, and a discussion on steps you can take to lower your risk.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, with one person every 18 minutes, equating to, on average, 79 persons dying of heart disease every day, according to the Heart Foundation.
This accounts for nearly one in five (17.1 percent) of all deaths, with more males dying of heart disease than females, every year. Deaths from heart disease have been decreasing over the last 10 years.
There are many types of heart disease, and a lot are often preventable.
So, how do you prevent it?
“Long-term health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol issues can be prevented with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking,” advises Doctor Sangita Khobragade from the Macksville Medical Centre.
“Regular visits to your GP can lead to early detection.”
To mark Heart Week, the Macksville Medical Centre decorated their waiting room to promote awareness, and at the same time enter the annual Heart Foundation creative display competition held in medical facilities nationwide.
“Our waiting room display is intended to raise patient awareness, and to initiate conversation around heart health,” said Casey Shorter, Practice Manager.
“If doing so encourages even one person to book a Heart Health Check with their GP, we have succeeded.”
According to the Heart Foundation, if you are aged 45 and over and do not already have heart disease, it is recommended to see your doctor for a Medicare-subsidised Heart Health Check.
Some people may be eligible earlier, including First Nations people, and those 35 and over, who are living with diabetes.
