WVDHHR > Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease

2017 Heart Disease Prevention Month

February is American Heart Month. In West Virginia, we have the highest rate of heart disease in the nation at 14%. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in West Virginia, second only to cancer. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, the West Virginia Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease is proudly participating in American Heart Month.

“In 2014, nearly 13 West Virginians died every day due to heart disease. The West Virginia Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease is dedicated to preventing one of the state’s leading killers and empowering everyone to make heart-healthy choices.”

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:

Watch your weight.
Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
Get active and eat healthy.

For more information, contact the Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease.

What can you do? Know the ABCS of Heart Health Control your blood pressure Eat better with DASH Diet Healthy Recipes Reduce Your Salt (Sodium) Find a health care provider	Resources 6 Steps to Control Your Blood Pressure Know Your Numbers Cholesterol Management Resources for Providers Resources for Community Members

What is the Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease doing to prevent heart disease in West Virginia?

Partnering with community groups to create healthier environments through mini-grants. In 2016, HPCD and our partners funded 88 mini-grants in over 100 communities throughout West Virginia

Supporting the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) and other self-management courses in West Virginia by working with diverse partners to implement classes throughout the state

Referring patients from clinics to local self-management programs and to primary care providers for follow-up treatment and management, leading to better outcomes

Improving health and wellness in worksites across the state by encouraging policies for nutritional foods offerings and physical activity, wellness programs, and educational programs for employees and employers.

Increasing awareness of hypertension and heart disease by engaging patients in non-traditional settings (such as family-planning clinics)

Using electronic health records to prompt doctor--patient conversation regarding obesity, physical inactivity and heart disease

Engaging non-clinical staff to reach additional people with education and resources

Implementing the WV Physical Activity Plan as a member of the leadership team

Promoting the link between obesity, physical inactivity and heart disease