National Heart Awareness Month
By: Rae Paterson
Updated: February 5, 2013
JOPLIN, MO.--- February is National Heart Awareness Month, and although taking care of our hearts should be second nature to us, we let time and hectic schedules get the best of our heart's well being.
"You have to make it a priority in you life. It can't be something that you do if you have time, because 20 years go by in a hurry, and next thing you know, you're 30 pounds over weight, you've been smoking for 20 years, and sometimes it's very hard to turn that around," states Chubb Gorham.
Some people like local resident, Chubb Gorham, know the effects of heart disease all too well.
"Heart failure. I had 2 heart attacks within about 6 weeks of each other," states Gorham.
Chubb's bad heart eventually led to a heart transplant, reminding him to take care of his heart must be a new priority. So, he's made changes.
"Good eating habits helps, exercising is pretty important, especially after I got my heart. I tried to walk 2 miles a day, so this time, I'm doing more than I did before," states Gorham.
Doctors say don't wait, living a healthy life is easier now than ever before.
"In this day and age, with proper nutrition and exercise, there's no reason you can't be healthy way into your 80's and very vital," states Dr. Richard Stauffer, Freeman Cardiologist.
At the age of 71, Chubb says sacrificing the salt is worth it. "Oh, it's what you pay for life," says Gorham. If you're still struggling to change your habits, the doctor prescribes the book, "Younger Next Year."
"It's a great book, because it's about how to balance life style, exercise, stress, diet, all these things, and it really kind of gets you fired up. It's where you start," says Dr. Stauffer.
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Doctors say the symptoms vary with each individual, but being proactive can reduce the risk of heart disease.
"You have to make it a priority in you life. It can't be something that you do if you have time, because 20 years go by in a hurry, and next thing you know, you're 30 pounds over weight, you've been smoking for 20 years, and sometimes it's very hard to turn that around," states Chubb Gorham.
Some people like local resident, Chubb Gorham, know the effects of heart disease all too well.
"Heart failure. I had 2 heart attacks within about 6 weeks of each other," states Gorham.
Chubb's bad heart eventually led to a heart transplant, reminding him to take care of his heart must be a new priority. So, he's made changes.
"Good eating habits helps, exercising is pretty important, especially after I got my heart. I tried to walk 2 miles a day, so this time, I'm doing more than I did before," states Gorham.
Doctors say don't wait, living a healthy life is easier now than ever before.
"In this day and age, with proper nutrition and exercise, there's no reason you can't be healthy way into your 80's and very vital," states Dr. Richard Stauffer, Freeman Cardiologist.
At the age of 71, Chubb says sacrificing the salt is worth it. "Oh, it's what you pay for life," says Gorham. If you're still struggling to change your habits, the doctor prescribes the book, "Younger Next Year."
"It's a great book, because it's about how to balance life style, exercise, stress, diet, all these things, and it really kind of gets you fired up. It's where you start," says Dr. Stauffer.
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Doctors say the symptoms vary with each individual, but being proactive can reduce the risk of heart disease.
