General
Call to Action from Heart Charity on World Heart Day!
By Ailish Houlihan
14, Sep 2011 - 10:10

Research undertaken by Croí in collaboration with HSE West's Mayo Primary, Community and Continuing Care Department showed that as many as one in three adults over 40 years of age in Co Mayo are obese. The study also revealed startling findings across other risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Almost half of Mayo adults over 40 years of age have blood pressure and cholesterol levels above the recommended levels for healthy hearts. Taken together, the findings suggest that as many as one in five Mayo people over the age of 40 could be classified as ‘at high risk' of a fatal cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke.

To coincide with World Heart Day on Thursday, September 29^th, Croí and HSE West Mayo PCCC are inviting members of the public to a FREE Public Meeting and open forum in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar at 8pm. The guest speaker will be Dr. Pat Nash, Consultant Cardiologist, University Hospital, Galway.

The theme of this year's World Heart Day is: One World, One Home, One Heart, which according to Croí, emphasises the important role we all can play in reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke on ourselves, our families and our economy.

 ‘Taking Control of Heart Health?' is an event organised as part of the on-going work of the ‘Heart Smart' Mayo programme, a prevention initiative aiming to reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke in Mayo.

 Announcing details of this public meeting, Croí ‘Heart Smart' Mayo Co-ordinator, Ailish Houlihan said "By learning about the risk factors for heart disease and stroke and taking vital steps to reduce your own and your family's risk, you take charge of your family's heart health and become your home's advocate for heart-healthy living." Some vital steps include quitting smoking, eating healthier foods such as increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and getting more physically active. It is also important to visit your GP for a comprehensive heart health assessment which includes measuring cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. "Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in Ireland and if each family takes control of their heart health, it will make a real difference in reducing the prevalence of heart disease and stroke at a local and national level" continues Ms. Houlihan.   

To find out more about ‘Heart Smart' Mayo contact Ailish Houlihan on 094-9049172 or for further information on your heart health contact Croí Heart Health Centre on 091-893500 or log onto www.croi.ie