February is American Heart Month. This is great time of year for everyone to focus on their cardiovascular health.
According to the Center for Disease Control, one in three deaths in the United States is related to cardiovascular disease. In response to this public health issue, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Community Foundation partnered with Mended Hearts of Noblesville, a non-profit committed to heart health, to provide HCSO staff members with 40 heart scans for zero cost to the employee.
We know the life expectancy of a police officer is 20 years less than civilian counterparts and average age of a law enforcement officer who has suffered a heart attack is 49 years, compared to 67 years for the general population. Additionally, law enforcement officers are 25 times more likely to suffer death and disability from heart disease than from a violent action of a suspect, according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police published data (Violanti, 2013).
Risk factors for heart attacks include the following: women over 50, men over 40, smoking, stress, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, family history, and high body mass index. Sheriff’s deputies, correctional officers and staff often experience many risk factors (shift work, stress, etc.).
Heart scans check for blockages in the arteries. The process is painless and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Mended Hearts reports typically one in five scans finds an issue.
Everyone’s journey to a healthier life is different, but proactive lifestyle choices can make a huge difference. These healthy habits can help: seek out nutritious foods, reduce stress, maintain a healthy body weight, exercise, and don’t smoke. Furthermore, utilize medical professionals to check cholesterol levels, control blood pressure, manage diabetes, and use medications as directed.