HEALTHY HEART NEWS Volume 23 | January 2022
Beverly Keefer, Director of Cardiovascular Services /Neel Khanna, Medical Director of MSLC Cardiovascular Institute
Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall’s Cardiovascular Institute is committed to you and our community. We pride ourselves on being an engaged partner with the many constituencies that we serve. As part of our commitment to meeting your heart health needs, we have developed this quarterly newsletter filled with information that can improve the quality of, and in some cases, help save your life. If there are topics that you would like to see covered in future editions, please e-mail Beverly Keefer, Director of Cardiovascular Services, Cardiac Cath and Interventional Radiology at bkeefer@montefioreslc.org.
COVID-19 AND THE HEART Raising awareness regarding heart disease has never been more urgent as cardiovascular diseases stop 18.6 million hearts across the globe each year (AHA, 2021). The message is needed now more than ever, as COVID-19 disproportionately claims the lives of people with a history of heart disease and stroke. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is especially important for heart and stroke patients because people with such underlying conditions are more likely to develop complications from this disease. People with risk factors for heart disease and stroke are at much greater risk from the virus than they are from the vaccine. That is why the AHA encourages people with cardiovascular risk factors, heart disease, history of heart attack or stroke to get vaccinated including receiving a booster. It is important to take care of your heart and to work to prevent heart disease as well. Our Cardiology team offers services including a full range of diagnostic and interventional testing aimed at providing the best possible care for patients suffering from cardiovascular disease. These tests provide important information to help maintain a healthy heart. Now more than ever it is important to make and keep appointments with your doctor and other health care professionals. Even during the Pandemic, the health care team is there for you!
TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT Start by visiting your doctor’s office or community health center’s website or call ahead to obtain the information that you need. This will help you find information on what to expect and what options you have available to receive care. When you call the office, share your concerns and ask questions. Here are a few to get you started: What is the check-in process? What waiting room precautions are being taken? Are masks required for patient patients and the health care team? Is there a checkpoint screening for COVID exposure and symptoms? What else should I know before I come to the office? Is telehealth available (a phone or video visit)? When do I need to provide vaccine information? Remember also to write down your questions before you see the health care practitioner. Clearly state the purpose of your visit and have a list of medications that you take available. It will also be important to bring any information regarding your health with you (blood pressure and glucose readings, changes in your weight or food and exercise logs). The New Year is the perfect time to recommit to your health and to your future. Remember your heart health and wellbeing begins with you. The facts remain that every 40 seconds an adult dies from heart attacks, strokes, or other outcomes of cardiovascular diseases. These deaths account for about one third of all deaths in the United States or more than 800,000 deaths each year. Heart disease and stroke can also lead to other serious illnesses, disabilities, and lower quality of life. So, after this holiday season it’s time to improve your health! DO YOUR PART AND CARE FOR YOUR HEART! Improving your health is not a goal that can be completed in a weekend or even a season – it is a year long effort to becoming a healthier you! Remember to exercise regularly, eat right, get enough sleep, protect yourself from COVID-19 and the flu by avoiding large crowds and gatherings, wearing a mask, social distancing, frequent handwashing and staying at home when you feel sick, and by sticking to your plan! Stay safe and Happy New Year!!!
WANT TO HEAR MORE?
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montefiore St. st. Lukes luke’s Cornwall cornwall Cardiovascular 561-4400 | www.montefioreslc.org www.montefioreslc.org Montefiore Cardiovascular Institute Institute | (845) 561-4400