Mega Doctor News
SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM — Despite bone-chilling temperatures, more than 340 runners/walkers took part in STHS Heart’s annual 5K to shine a spotlight on the dangers of heart disease and help promote the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle to prevent cardiovascular issues
As the leading cause of death nationwide, heart disease kills one person every 33 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While commonly associated with older adults, heart disease affects people of all ages, including young adults. In fact, the number of people under 45 suffering from life-threatening cardiovascular condition has been steadily increasing in recent years, per the American Heart Association, due to increasing rates of hypertension and obesity.
Currently, more young adults are being diagnosed with issues like coronary artery disease than ever before, with one in 20 adults aged 20 and older living with the condition, per the CDC. Meanwhile, heart attack deaths among people between the ages of 25 and 44 increased by 29.9% over the first two years of the pandemic, according to recent studies.
Each February, as part of its American Heart Month commemorations, South Texas Health System Heart helps raise awareness of the risks and effects of heart disease and educate the Rio Grande Valley community on the importance of leading a heart-healthy lifestyle to curb the threat of cardiovascular issues.
“A healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease,” says Brenda Ivory, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Heart. “It all comes down to an overall pattern of choices that can make all the difference. Simple steps like being physically active, eating well and getting sufficient sleep can have a positive impact on your health, including keeping your heart strong.”
To help empower Rio Grande Valley residents to take action to protect their hearts, STHS Heart hosted its annual Heroes with Heart 5K on Saturday, February 22, on the hospital’s campus. More than 620 individuals registered to participate in the run/walk – a new record for the long-standing event – dedicated this year to local young adults who have survived and thrived in their battle with the life-threatening disease.
Despite bone-chilling weather on race day, more than 345 runners/walkers braved the elements to help spread awareness for heart disease and help encourage the community to take action to prioritize their heart health.
All money raised from this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Mission and the Boys & Girls Club of Weslaco for educational and recreational activities aimed at empowering children to prioritize their health at an early age to avoid heart complications in adulthood.
“By teaching heart healthy habits through our programs, children learn directly from experts about the importance healthy habits like eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly hold in leading a heart healthy lifestyle,” says Boys & Girls Club of Mission CEO Rick Venecia, a heart attack survivor and heart failure patient who served as this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K race ambassador. “The ultimate goal is to have children take these lessons home and implement them with their parents, siblings and other relatives, which helps spread awareness of the importance of maintaining good heart health across the region and beyond.”
While heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., studies show about 80% of cardiovascular issues can be prevented through lifestyle changes and medical intervention.
By taking part in this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K, hundreds of Valley residents are taking steps to protect their hearts while aiding STHS Heart in encouraging others across the Rio Grande Valley to do the same.
“Simply taking a stroll in your neighborhood can be good for your heart,” says Venecia. “Walking is a low-impact exercise that can improve your heart health, lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.
To learn more about the cardiology and cardiovascular services at STHS Heart, including the facility’s low-cost cardiac risk assessment, visit https://www.southtexashealthsystemheart.com/?redirect=www.sthsheart.com.
