Latest news with #WearRedDay
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Here are some tips to keep your heart healthy
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — February is American Heart Month, but experts say good heart health should be a year-long goal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said heart disease is the leading cause of death in the nation. More than 700,000 people died from heart disease in 2022, so experts say it's important to do what you can to keep your heart happy and healthy. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are all key risk factors, and the CDC said nearly half of people in the United States have at least one of those so early detection is critical. RELATED: 'Wear Red Day' raises awareness for women's heart health Any discomfort above the belly button, or shortness of breath, is a reason to see a doctor. Professionals recommend certain lifestyle changes too, including getting a good sleep every night and eating the right foods. 'We live in a time of convenience where, we are more apt to grab fast food or prepackaged food. But in reality, these foods are typically laden with additional fats, sugars, and sodium, all of which can contribute to the degradation of heart health over time,' Rural Health and Nutritian Extention Agent Julianna Lyle said. ' So, choosing whole items such as whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy,' she continued. Since the heart is a muscle, it needs to be worked just like any other, so professionals encourage being physically active regularly. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Parents took son to hospital with infected finger - and found he had heart disease
Parents took their 15-month-old son to York Hospital with an infected finger – and found he had heart disease. Olivia Abbott and Callum Raywood, from Easingwold, said a nurse told them their son, Zak, had a heart murmur while being checked over at the hospital. He was later diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD), which covers a range of birth defects that affect the normal way the heart works. Olivia said the murmur "took us by surprise' as she and Callum were unaware of it. The murmur was still there a week later, so Zak was referred for an echocardiogram to check his heart. Olivia said that appointment in June 2023 'would turn our world upside down'. 'The ultrasound tech said that Zak had a large ventricular septal defect (VSD) and a leaking valve, however the specialist wasn't going to be in the hospital for us to speak to until the end of July 2023. 'We nervously awaited this appointment and were told that Zak would need to have open heart surgery in the next six to 12 months to close the VSD.' Zak whose heart disease was found after his parents took him to hospital with an infected finger (Image: Children's Heart Surgery Fund) Zak, now three, underwent open heart surgery at Leeds General Infirmary on January 3, last year. 'I remember the day Zak had his surgery like it was yesterday,' Olivia said. 'I remember waiting around for what felt like a lifetime waiting to hear that he was out of surgery and rushing straight to paediatric intensive care (PICU) as soon as we heard. 'Seeing my little boy with so many wires, tubes and drains coming out of him whilst completely unconscious is an image that will never leave my mind.' At first there were some complications. Jack had a collapsed lung during his first night in intensive care. This was 'incredibly scary', Olivia said, but 'luckily he made a really quick recovery from that'. 'He moved on to high dependency and was showing great signs of improvement and just as we were getting ready to be discharged, Zak became unwell and ended up with an infection which extended our stay in Leeds.' She said the nine days they spent at the hospital were made 'so much easier' by the 'amazing' staff and support from the Children's Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) charity. Olivia is encouraging people to join CHSF supporters in wearing red this February to raise awareness and money for the charity. Zak recovering after his open heart surgery (Image: Children's Heart Surgery Fund) 'CHSF were brilliant. From beginning to end they supported us throughout Zak's journey with everything from accommodation to just being a shoulder to cry on,' she said. Olivia added that the charity 'really helped to provide a comfort and distraction for us' during Zak's time in hospital. '[CHSF] offered so many encouraging words and really made us feel like we had a listening ear which again, was so comforting during those times.' Sign up to Wear Red Day at and donate on their Just Giving page at or by texting CHSFWRD (plus any amount up to 20) to 70085.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
National Wear Red Day celebrated in Watertown
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – During a ceremony Friday morning, Watertown Mayor Sarah Compo Pierce issued a proclamation marking Friday, Feb. 7 as National Wear Red Day. Heart disease survivor Wendy Hinman shared her story to highlight the risks for women at the ceremony as well. According to the American Heart Association, Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. In a Report From the American Heart Association, nearly 45% of women over 20 years old are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., according to a peer reviewed publication on Cardiovascular-Related Maternal Mortality. 'National Wear Red Day isn't just about wearing red; it's about coming together to demand more when it comes to the heart health and well-being of our communities. It's about raising awareness so women know their risks, and supporting them in the journey to better health,' said Stacy Spaziani, regional director for the American Heart Association in the North Country. 'I'm proud to be a part of this movement to rally together and unite against the No. 1 killer of women. Together, we can ensure every woman has equal opportunities to live longer, healthier lives.' You can find educational resources to support women's heart health at every age, and through every stage of life at Go Red for Women and learn more about National Wear Red Day at Wear Red Day's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Yahoo
1 dead, 4 hurt after crash along I-85 in north Charlotte
One person is dead and four others are hurt after a crash in north Charlotte along I-85 early Saturday morning, according to officials. The crash happened around 2 a.m. near the North Grham Street exit. According to MEDIC, one person died and four people were taken to the hospital. Three of those patients had serious injuries and one had life-threatening injuries. ALSO READ: Driver faces felony charges after deadly weekend crash The crash scene cleared around 8 a.m., according to officials. It is unclear what led up to the crash and Channel 9 is working to learn more. (WATCH BELOW: Wear Red Day raising heart disease awareness)
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Wearing red to spread awareness for women's heart health
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — February 7 is Wear Red Day, a day created by the American Heart Association to spread awareness about heart disease, the number one cause of death for American women. The day was created to try and combat the lack of research and education around women's heart health, and to hopefully bring more public knowledge on how to prevent heart disease and what the symptoms are. Dr. Kavitha Kalvakuri-Meduru is a cardiologist at OSF Healthcare's Cardiovascular Institute and pointed out some of those warning signs. 'Any discomfort around the chest location, if it is associated with exertion, is an important sign to recognize and get treated. The earlier the better,' she said. The signs can vary, as there could be nausea and vomiting involved as well. Kalvakuri-Meduru said when you're in doubt, you should get checked out. Other important factors to consider include knowing your cholesterol level, blood pressure, glucose levels, and any family history of heart issues. Rachel Klousnitzer is a communications director for the American Heart Association and shared some statistics about heart disease. Nearly 45% of women 20 years of age or older had some form of cardiovascular disease. There are significant biological differences between men and women, and clinical trials have not always adequately enrolled women or analyzed sex-specific differences in the data. Only 38% of cardiovascular clinical research trial participants are women. Women experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases over the course of their lifetime. You can prevent heart disease by eating healthy, limiting your alcohol intake, being physically active, quitting smoking, and optimizing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. Getting a healthy amount of sleep can help as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.