This Lent, why not sacrifice bad heart habits?

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Friday, February 19, 2021

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This Lent, why not sacrifice bad heart habits?

Mike Scott, mscott@stph.org

(Photo by Mike Scott / STHS)

It’s Lent, which is a time in which many people in South Louisiana traditionally dedicate themselves to sacrifice and reflection after the unbridled craziness of Carnival season.

But February is also American Heart Month, which also makes this a good time for people to rededicate themselves to achieving good heart health, according to Jeff Meyers, a 27-year veteran nurse who serves as coordinator of St. Tammany Health System’s chest pain accreditation program.

Meyers was recently a guest on The Lake 94.7 FM, where he offered tips about achieving good heart health, which he acknowledged can be difficult in such a gastronomically rich region.

“(When you) mention New Orleans, the first thing you think about is all the fried food, crawfish .. and everything,” Meyers told The Lake morning host Charles Dowdy. “So we really need to watch what we eat – and, again, I know it’s hard being in Louisiana, especially this time of year – but high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, all that stuff does play into heart disease.”

Other factors that elevate a person’s risk he said, include diabetes and family medical history.

The good news is that the keys to achieving good heart health are fairly basic: adopting a healthy diet, incorporating exercise into your daily routine, stopping smoking, cutting back on the booze.

First, though, those with multiple risk factors, or those who are simply concerned, should speak to their doctor, Meyers said. “He or she will then go from there,” he said. “They can do all kinds of different tests -- EKG, stress test, echocardiogram – just to get a baseline from where you are.” 

Additionally, anyone experiencing any of the following early warning signs of heart trouble should seek immediate medical help, he said:

  • A “full” feeling;
  • Pain in either arm (although left arm pain is most typical);
  • Jaw or tooth pain;
  • Pain or a squeezing sensation in the chest;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Excessive fatigue, weakness or dizziness;
  • Excessive and abnormal sweating in relation to your environment and activity level.

One thing people suffering from such symptoms shouldn’t do, and for multiple reasons, is drive themselves to the hospital.

“If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911,” Meyers said. “911 will get there quicker. They have the emergency lifesaving machines and EKG. They have the defibrillator in case they would need to intervene. The main thing is right now, if you are having any of these symptoms, is to call 911. That is the best bet.”

St. Tammany Health System is an accredited Chest Pain Center. Learn more about this designation, along with more  heart health tips, at StTammany.health/ChestPainCenter.

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