February marks American Heart Month

(Black PR Wire) It’s American Heart Month, a  time to put the spotlight on cardiovascular health. In recognition of this observance, Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) joins the countless organizations around the country promoting healthy habits to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.  It can go unnoticed and undiagnosed  until a person experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia. Some medical conditions and life style choices such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking can put a person at a higher risk of heart disease. Knowing your risk of heart disease can help you prevent it.

“Heart Month brings the conversation of prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart diseases to the forefront,” said  Dr. Joycelyn Lawrence, Chief Medical Officer of JTCHS.  “This American Heart Month, we encourage our patients to take control of their heart health by making healthy lifestyle changes that can help them reduce their risk of heart disease.”

Here are some tips for a heart-healthy lifestyle:

• Eat A Well-Balanced Diet
• Keep a Healthy Weight
• Get Regular Physical Activity
• Avoid Tobacco
• Reduce Stress
• Know Your Numbers (Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Cholesterol and Weight)

Remember, small changes can make a big difference to your heart health. Take charge of your well-being today!

About JTCHS

The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc (JTCHS) is one of Miami-Dade County's preeminent federally qualified community health centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation, JTCHS is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS served its first patients from a trailer. Now, fifty-eight (58) years after its founding, JTCHS owns and operates eleven 11 Comprehensive Primary Care centers, a 40 bed Women's Residential Center for substance use, and is located in one (1) university and forty (40) school-based health suites. JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes but not limited to: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, Pharmacy, transportation, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org

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