Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention/ Education Services:

The Nurse of the Day clinic at the health department offers free blood pressure screening Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - noon.  Educational displays on high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack signs and symptoms, nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco use prevention are also available.  Call the health department to request a display for your place of business, organization or group function.

Did You Know?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, has been the leading cause of death in St. Mary’s County since 1983. CVD kills more residents that cancer, traffic crashes, and suicides combined, and the county CVD death rate exceeds the state average.

Heart Attack Symptoms (call 911 immediately)

• Pressure in your chest

• Pain or discomfort in the chest spreading to the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness 

• Nausea

• Cold sweat

Stroke Symptoms (call 911 immediately)

• Sudden blurry vision or trouble speaking

• Severe headache and/or dizziness

• Sudden weakness or numbness, especially occurring on one side of the body

Prevention is the Key!

• Quit smoking - St. Mary's County Health Department offers a FREE smoking cessation program.

• Get regular exercise

• Reduce blood pressure and cholesterol

• Eat a healthy diet and lose excess weight

 Staff Contact
Betsy Tyer, RN    
St. Mary’s County Health Department is a member of the Community Health Advisory Committee and participates on the Subcommittee for Cardiovascular Disease.

Links

• St. Mary’s Hospital

• St. Mary’s County Public Libraries

• American Heart Association

• American Stroke Association

• Healthy African-American Style Cooking (heart healthy recipes!)