One hour to save 3 lives, are you in?

By Paul Hable | June 18, 2013 | Comments (0) | Share Twitter Facebook Pin This! linkedin Print

Donating blood benefits more than just those who receive it.  Unfortunately, fewer than 5% of people who are eligible to donate actually do.  So what is stopping the rest? Not enough time? Fear of needles? Donating blood only takes about an hour of your time and is one of the safest ways to give back to your community.  Not convinced?  Here are five benefits of donating blood.  Read carefully—you may be surprised!

 

  1. Everyday hero. Every three seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and there is no substitute.  Blood donors are true heroes, because one unit of blood can impact the lives of up to three people. By separating your blood into several distinct components, medical professionals can use your donation for many types of medical procedures, conditions or treatments, including organ transplants, automobile accidents, burn victims, heart surgery, leukemia and more.
  2. Psychological gains.  One of the most obvious benefits of donating is that feeling you get afterward.  Acts of altruism make you feel good, especially knowing that one hour of your time can make such a difference.
  3. Free health screening. Every time you give blood, your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron level are checked.
  4. Boosts the production of red blood cells. Donation of blood reduces the number of red blood cells in the blood. Bone marrow immediately replenishes the lost cells. As a result, the blood of a donor is refreshed every time they donate because of the increased production of new blood cells.
  5. Reduced risk of heart disease.  Research shows that giving blood may prevent heart disease.  While iron is an important element and necessary for human life, too much iron may actually damage the heart and circulatory system.  Reducing blood iron through regular blood donation is a healthy way to potentially lower your risk of heart disease.

Ready to donate? Fort HealthCare is partnering with the Blood Center of Wisconsin to host a blood drive on Friday, June 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  You can make an appointment online or call 920-568-5261.  Just remember, an hour of your time can make a huge impact!

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Icky, icky ticky ticky!

By Laurie Runte, PNP | June 5, 2013 | Comments (0) | Share Twitter Facebook Pin This! linkedin Print

I don’t know about you, but it seems like every time I turn around, someone is talking about how bad the ticks are this year, and with summer here we’re all outdoors more: booking campsites, dusting off your hiking boots and planting the vegetable garden. Ticks are the last thing we want to worry about while enjoying our favorite summer activities, but understanding ticks and taking preventative measures can help reduce anxiety and risk.

There are at least 16 reported types of ticks in Wisconsin, only a few of which feed on humans.  The American dog tick—commonly called the wood tick in Wisconsin—is one of the most common.

Where are the ticks present?
The American dog tick is present in many areas east of the Rocky Mountains.  Specifically, this particular tick can be found throughout the entire state of Wisconsin, particularly in wooded, shrubby or tall-grass habitats.

When should I take extra precaution?
In Wisconsin, the American dog tick is most active during the warmer months (May-August), and adult ticks are most active and abundant in June and July in temperate zones like Wisconsin. The time for ticks is NOW!

Should I be worried?
Although tick-related diseases are rarely reported in Wisconsin, the wood tick is capable of transmitting bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia (Lyme Disease).  Most reported cases are associated with Wisconsin residents who have travelled to other states where the diseases more commonly occur.  In fact, only a few human cases of Lyme Disease were reported in Wisconsin from 2001-2010.

However, the wood tick is known to cause tick paralysis, caused by a toxin in the tick’s saliva.  Symptoms begin to emerge after a female tick has attached and begun feeding for at least four to seven days.  Symptoms include acute, progressive flaccid paralysis which usually begins the arms or legs.  Respiratory failure may occur if the tick is not removed; however, paralysis usually subsides within 24 hours of removing the tick.  Although this is also rare, paralysis can occur in humans and is more common in children.

What can I do to minimize risk?
Use the following tips to make sure your family has a tick-free summer!

  1. Avoid direct contact with ticks and tick habitat. Walk in the center of mowed or cleared trails. Avoid known or suspect tick-infested areas, and take extra precaution during warmer months. Steer clear of wooded or brushy areas, and avoid brushing up against trees, vegetation and tall grass
  2. Use tick repellent. Several repellents are available for use, including DEET and permethrin. Use insect repellents that contain at least 20-50% DEET on exposed skin or 0.5% permethrin on clothing.
  3. Wear clothes that can help protect your skin. Long-sleeved pants and shirts are best.  To create an extra barrier, tuck your pants into the top of your socks or boots. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
  4. Check for ticks immediately. Conduct a thorough full-body check using a mirror to view all parts of the body. Have another person check your scalp or other hard-to-check areas. Parents should inspect children for ticks, paying special attention to areas such as the underarms, in and around the ears, the neck area, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and in the hair and scalp area. While bathing and showering will not necessarily wash off all ticks, it can help you more easily search and spot ticks. Examine your pets and gear.  Ticks can enter the home by attaching to your pets and even the gear you had outdoors. Wash and tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 60 minutes to kill any ticks that may have attached to your clothing.

The tick is attached!  How do I remove it?
Don’t worry…it’s as easy as 1-2-3-4!

  1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick near the mouth parts, as close to skin as possible.
  2. Pull tick in a steady, upward motion away from skin.
  3. Thoroughly clean the bite area and hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
  4. Note the date and location of the tick bite.  If rash or flu-like symptoms appear, make an appointment with your Fort HealthCare primary care provider or come visit me at Fort HealthCare’s newest clinic, Integrated Family Care.
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Breast Self-Exams

By Tammie Turley, RN | May 23, 2013 | Comments (0) | Share Twitter Facebook Pin This! linkedin Print

Performing a breast self-exam (BSE) is a simple process. It requires only a few minutes of your time to do a complete exam.  Getting in the habit of examining your breasts once a month can help you become familiar with the way your breasts normally feel and look, which in turn can help you recognize anything unusual in the future. 

When should you do BSE?
While it is recommended to get your first mammogram at the age of 40, women should begin performing monthly BSEs around the age of 20 and continue throughout their lives. The best time to perform the monthly self-exam is when the breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen, typically a few days after your period ends.  If you no longer menstruate, it is a good idea to pick a certain day—for example, the first of every month—to remember to do your breast self-exam.

Why do a BSE?
While mammograms can help detect breast cancer before you feel a lump, performing breast self-exams can help you become familiar with how your breasts feel and look, so you can be more knowledgeable about your breast health and alert your physician with any concerns or changes. Breast self-exams may aid in early detection of breast cancer and are especially important for women with a family history of breast cancer or for those who possess several risk factors. BSE, along with regular mammograms and annual physical examinations by your healthcare provider make it possible to detect breast cancer early. The earlier that breast cancer is detected the better the outcome.

How is it done?
Physicians suggest several tips and procedures to guide a successful self-breast exam.  Ask your physician to review your technique during your annual health exam.  Tell your physician right away if you find any of the following changes; development of a lump, thickening, discharge other than breast milk, swelling of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, and nipple abnormalities such as pain, redness, turning inward, etc.

Fort Memorial Hospital is a Pink Ribbon facility, recognized as providing excellence in breast health paired with exceptional commitment and support to the women of our community. Visit Fort HealthCare’s Center for Women’s Health website for more information regarding breast health.

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Treating pain–ankle sprains

By Julia Neppl PT, LAT | May 7, 2013 | Comments (0) | Share Twitter Facebook Pin This! linkedin Print

Sprained ankles are the bane of many athletes and weekend warriors. If you think you’ve sprained an ankle, you should see a clinician for proper healing and to avoid future injury.

When you sprain an ankle, one or more ligaments of your ankle become overly stretched or even torn. Although it is possible to sprain the ligaments on the inside or outside of your ankle, the ligaments on the outside are most commonly sprained. They most often occur when your toes are on the ground, the heel is up and you are walking or running on an uneven surface. The ankle can turn inward, damaging the ligaments causing the sprain.

Ligaments in your ankle provide stability and motion, so when they are hurt, you are at an increased risk for more damaging injuries.

Sprain Severity
The severity of an ankle sprain is determined by a grading scale. Each grade has appropriate treatment.
Grade 1: Stretching of the ligaments. Treat by using RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
Grade 2: Stretching and some rupture of the ligaments. Treat by using RICE and by allowing additional time to heal. A sprain of this severity may need to be splinted.
Grade 3: Greater rupture of the ligaments. You may need to wear a brace for 2-3 weeks while the injury heals. Repeated ankle sprains may require surgery to repair the ligaments.

Recovery
After treatment, most people need to follow through with rehabilitation, with exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and learn to use the ankle more efficiently. With any type of sprain the ankle needs sufficient time to recover. It is important to remember that even if the pain has gone away you still need to follow the correct recovery procedure in order to for your sprain to heal properly.

For sports- or work-related injuries, a physical or occupational therapist, or licensed athletic trainer, can be integral in returning to pre-injury capacity. Our Therapy & Sport Center provides treatment and rehab for injuries from the simplest sprain, to a full joint replacement. If you’re hurt – don’t hesitate to call. Waiting often only leads to further damage.

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Give birth to hope—Cord blood donation

By Nancy Aguirre, MD | April 30, 2013 | Comments (0) | Share Twitter Facebook Pin This! linkedin Print

Quick, easy, painless, and saves lives. You would want to know more, right? New mothers have the opportunity to save the life of someone who may need a stem cell transplant by simply donating cord blood, a simple and painless process.

What is cord blood? In the past, a baby’s umbilical cord was disposed of following delivery, but today, blood from the cord can be collected after your child’s birth and donated to a public cord bank. A baby’s umbilical cord contains special cells that can be used in transplants to treat certain types of leukemia and other blood diseases. When stem cells divide, they have the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as muscle cell, oxygen carrying blood cells, or a brain cell; they can even fight disease, repair bone and tissue damage, and stop bleeding.

Who benefits? What are your options? Donating is simple, but receiving can be everything. A happy event for you and your child could become the same for someone in need. The National Marrow Donor Program® estimates that 45,000 to 50,000 stem cell transplants are performed annually worldwide to treat patients with life-threatening diseases. Today, expectant parents may choose from the following options:

  • Donate to a public cord bank. When you donate for public use, it is free-of-charge and the cord blood is available to any patient who needs a transplant. Cord blood stem cells are successfully used today and have been saving lives for over 20 years. As a new mother, donating cord blood increases the chances that patients who might benefit from stem cell transplants are able to have one quickly.
  • Store in a family (private) cord bank. Mothers can also choose to store the cord blood cells to potentially use in case of a life-saving transplant needed by the newborn baby or family member. Although a fee is charged for collection and storage, privately storing your child’s cord blood cells should be taken into special consideration for families with a history of hereditary diseases which can be treated with stem cells.
  • Save for a sibling who has a medical need. At the time of birth, if a biological sibling has a disease that may be treated with a cord blood transplant, parents can choose to save their child’s cord blood for direct donation with little or no cost to eligible families.
  • Do nothing. This is always an option, where the umbilical cord blood will be disposed of after birth.

Cord blood donation is a simple process with life-changing potential. If you are interested in pursuing cord blood donation or have further questions, please contact your Fort HealthCare provider.

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Fueling Your Fitness

By Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, RCEP | March 14, 2013 | Comments (0) | Share Twitter Facebook Pin This! linkedin Print

Supplementing your exercise routine with proper nutrition and hydration plays an integral role in maintaining and enhancing your total fitness and boosting your body’s ability to perform at its maximum capability.

A HEALTHY DIET
Eat the rainbow! Eating a variety of healthy and colorful foods is key to maintain the right energy levels.  To receive the proper amount of nutrition, it is vital that you consume at least three meals per day. Snacking on nutritious foods between meals can even contribute to a healthy diet, increase metabolism, and prevent overeating during the next meal.

Eat high-protein, low-fat items such as fish, beans, whole wheat pasta, egg whites, skim or 1 percent milk, and low fat yogurt. Try to avoid items such as fried foods, high fat meats, egg yolks, and whole milk.

For a good source of vitamins, eat a diet rich in raw or steamed vegetables, green leafy romaine, whole grain breads, and fruits with skin. Avoid fried vegetables, iceberg lettuce—containing no nutrients, white bread, and canned fruits in syrup.

There are good and bad fats? Try to choose non-trans fat bread spreads and heart-healthy margarine. Cook with olive oil or sunflower oil, and omit lard and meat fat. Limit or omit creamy salad dressings high in fat content, cookies, cakes, pies, and pastry goods. Likewise, avoiding fast food is always a good way to cut down on your fat intake.

Before a workout, you should eat a small serving of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits (apricots, oranges, plums, pears, grapefruits, prunes), vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, potatoes, yams, corn, carrots, onions, etc.), legumes (lentils, kidney beans, black beans, peas, soy beans, etc.), dill pickles, soy milk, low-fat yogurt, or skim milk. After a workout, stick with the standard fruits, vegetables, and of course, water.

HYDRATION
The proper amount of water can help regulate your body temperature and combined with the proper fuel it can help you reach your fitness potential. During exercise your body reacts to the increase in temperature by sweating in attempts to cool you off. Since sweat is primarily water you must replace it by drinking more water. If you do not replace the water you have lost, it can lead to poor performance and possible injury. It is recommended that you drink water before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration and help improve performance.

PLAN AHEAD, MAKE MEALS READY-TO-EAT
“I don’t have time to cook nutritious meals.” We have all said this at one point; however, if you can manage to take some time the night before or even on the weekend to pre-cook some nutritious meals, you, your family and your wallet can greatly benefit. You can even utilize that overflowing Tupperware drawer that everyone seems to have—cook up some meals and then stock up the fridge for the week. This leaves you with plenty of meal options to choose from if you are crunched for time. By preparing these meals ahead of time, you are less likely to grab something unhealthy. It also allows more time for your workout—no excuses!

Whether you want to learn how to shop better for your family at the grocery store or find a way to a healthier diet, Fort HealthCare offers nutrition programs among the many health and wellness classes offered throughout the year. Additionally, registered dietitians are available for private consultation to assist both adults and children with healthy eating, living with dietary restrictions and creating personalized dietary programs. A referral from your doctor is needed for insurance coverage.

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Potty Training—ditching the diapers

By Laurie Runte, PNP | March 14, 2013 | Comments (0) | Share Twitter Facebook Pin This! linkedin Print

Is it time to ditch the diapers? It probably seems like just yesterday you were changing your toddler’s first diaper, and now you are wondering if it is time to start potty training.  Potty training is a big step, and it can be a difficult and frustrating process for both children and parents alike.  No child is alike, so mothers, new or experienced, may be wary about where and when to start and unsure about how to tackle the daunting task. These basic tips will get you started on the right track and help you and your little one find potty training success.

Wait until your child is ready.
There is no magic age to start potty training, however, most children are ready between 2 ½ to 3½ years old.  It is a process, so start slow, and to pique interest, place the potty chair you’ve chosen in the bathroom, make it part of your regular routine at bath time, bedtime, or even before leaving the house, and encourage good hand washing afterward.

Look for the signs.
When is it time to start potty training?  It is different for every child, so it is important to look for signs that may indicate your child is ready.  Some good indicators are:

  • You’re changing fewer diapers which may be dry after a nap, or even overnight
  • Your child’s bowel movements are predictable or regular
  • Your child understands bathroom lingo
  • Your child can perform simple undressing

Choose the right toilet-training potty.
Here is how to pick one to guarantee toilet-training success:

  • Shop for a potty in person and take your child with you
  • Perouse the store’s stock, let your child sit in any that they seem interested in, and look for one’s that fit them comfortably
  • Check for features like a removable bowl and splash guard
  • Let your child decorate the potty with markers or stickers—let them make it their own

Be patient—every child is different.
Potty training is a normal process that is different for each child.  It is important to begin when you believe your child is ready, be active and aware throughout the process, and be patient.  If you push the process too hard, you may end up back at square one.

Motivate with rewards.
For most kids, kisses, hugs, tickles, and praise is motivation enough, but some toddlers may need a little extra incentive.  Some parents swear by sticker charts, while others use other small treats for motivation, but whatever road you take, be sure to emphasize what the child accomplished rather than the reward.

Understand accidents.
A few toddlers start using the potty and never look back; however, for most, accidents are bound to happen.  At such a delicate phase of development, there are many things that can be an obstacle or cause a setback.  Chances are your toddler will be upset after an accident, so the more subdued your reaction, the better.  Offer comfort and reassurance, and help restore your child’s sense of control.  Dealing with the causes of such accidents is instrumental to putting potty training back on the road to success, so be aware of the common triggers such as stress, fatigue, parental pressure, excitement, and other major changes.

For more information about toilet training, consult with your Fort HealthCare family physician, visit forthealthcare.com, or check out this video about toilet training your toddler.

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Breastfeeding Benefits for Both

By Jackie Wolff-Ellifson RN, LC | February 28, 2013 | Comments (0) | Share Twitter Facebook Pin This! linkedin Print

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial ways a mother can care for her baby.  The experience of breastfeeding is very special and while some may feel breastfeeding is unnecessary, it provides endless value for your child, and is just as rewarding for you, too.  It may be challenging at first, but you and your baby can succeed and find value in the numerous benefits of breastfeeding.

Benefits for Baby
–The colostrum – a yellow, watery pre-milk – that your breasts make for the first few days after birth helps your newborn’s digestive system grow and function.
–Breast milk has antibodies that help your baby’s immune system fight off sickness. Babies who are breastfed also have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, allergies, and colic.
–The protein and fat in breast milk are better used by the baby’s body than the protein and fat in formula.
–Babies who are breastfed have less gas, fewer feeding problems, and often less constipation than those given formulas.
–Breastfed babies have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
–Breastfeeding provides contact that babies yearn.  Frequent skin-to-skin contact with Mom is calming and comforting.

Benefits for Mom
–It is convenient – Your baby’s food is always available and ready at the right temperature.
–Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which makes the uterus contract and helps it return to its normal size more quickly.
–It may decrease your risk of some forms of cancer and other illnesses.
–It may help you lose weight gained during pregnancy faster than you would if you were bottle-feeding.
–It is less expensive than bottle feeding with formula.
–It creates a special bond between you and your baby.

With help from our Fort HealthCare lactation consultants, 80-90% of mothers begin breastfeeding their babies shortly after birth, and studies have shown that 91% of mothers who deliver their babies Fort Memorial Hospital Great Expectations Birthing Center are successfully breastfeeding at both two- and five-weeks after birth.

At Fort HealthCare, breastfeeding is discussed throughout pregnancy, and more information is presented both in person and through our childbirth preparation classes.  Fort HealthCare’s Breastfeeding Support Group meets the last Thursday of every month from 1:30-3:00 in the OB Classroom at the hospital. There is a lactation consultant who can answer questions and perform infant weight checks. Moms who attend are typically nearing the end of their pregnancy or have a nursing newborn, infant or toddler. All nursing or curious moms are welcome! As always, moms are invited and encouraged to call our Lactation department (920) 568-5396 for guidance on any breastfeeding related issue.

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Staying Fit with a Family

By Laurie Runte, PNP | February 21, 2013 | Comments (0) | Share Twitter Facebook Pin This! linkedin Print

From the moment you become a parent, activity and healthy living choices seems to come second to the needs of your children.  Even parents with a strong commitment to physical activity before parenthood may struggle to find the time and energy to stay fit.  But when it comes to abandoning activity, you are hurting more than just yourself.  Physical activity can help you stay healthy so you can keep up with your child’s needs and be around when they get older.

Even though most parents feel like they are always on the go, studies have shown that physical activity declines among the majority of new parents.   Here are some tips to stay active and healthy for you and your family.

Be active all day.
You don’t have to go to the gym to be physically active.  There are lots of little things you can do to incorporate activity into your day.  Go for a walk with your child, take them to the park, take the stairs, park further away from your destination, or do a few exercises in between your daily routines.  Make these small changes and commit to being active throughout your day—we think they will add up!

Don’t let time be an excuse.
Although your children take up a lot of the time you once had for yourself, it is not impossible to stay physically active during parenthood.  It does not take a lot of time at the gym to reap the health benefits of exercise.  Focusing on quality instead of quantity, a few short workouts every week can help you stay motivated and avoid burnout.

Find social support.
Having a friend, family member, or neighbor to who you can trust to care for your child is vital.  Few exercise facilities provide childcare services, so this dilemma becomes a problem and long-term excuse for many parents.  Establish a network of friends that you could trade off child care responsibilities with.

It is also helpful to find social support through an exercise partner that has similar goals.  By making a commitment to exercising with someone, people feel more accountable and are more likely to follow through with their workout.  Exercise partners can also provide continuous motivation and support.

Make it a family affair.
The best way to show your children the value of fitness is to be physically active with them.  Take infants or toddlers for walks in their stroller or fit in quick exercises during their nap.  Take your older children to the park or enjoy the opportunities that your community provides.  Take advantage of each season—ride bikes in the spring, swim in the summer, take a scenic hike in the fall, and go sledding or ice-skating in the winter.  Doing these physical activities will feel more like fun than exercise and can instill great habits in your children at a young age.

Set goals for yourself.
Motivation comes from within, so the first step to physical fitness is to have a reason to want it.  It is important to set short-term goals that are measurable and attainable.  Start with small, manageable goals and go from there.  Continue to monitor your progress and set new goals accordingly.  Don’t get discouraged if you don’t meet your exercise goal for a week.  There is no reason to completely drop out; reevaluate and work hard next week!

Be a role model.
You serve as a huge role model in your child’s life, and your actions have a huge impact on the habits that they will form.  Your children will likely mimic your behaviors, including physical activity practices; therefore, when teaching discipline, it is important for you as a parent to have some as well.

Fort HealthCare supports a parent’s decision to be physically fit with fitness classes, events, and challenges to help jumpstart and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Heart-Healthy at Any Age

By Aaron Beck, MD | February 19, 2013 | Comments (0) | Share Twitter Facebook Pin This! linkedin Print

You are never too young or too old to take care of your heart.  People at any age can benefit from simple steps to keep their heart healthy, and making smart choices at an early age can create healthy habits to help prevent heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

Tools for all generations to take to heart:

In Your 20s

  • Have regular wellness exams: Establishing a relationship with a doctor means you can form heart-healthy habits early and easily monitor possible changes in the future.  Talk to your doctor about you diet, lifestyle, and checking your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, heart rate, body mass index, and waist circumference.
  • By physically active: Mix up your exercise routine and find new motivators to keep your workout interesting.  It is much easier to stay active throughout your life if you start at a young age.
  • Avoid secondhand smoke: If you picked up smoking as a teen, now is the time to quit.  Even secondhand exposure poses serious health problems, so try to avoid it at all costs.

In Your 30s

  • Make it a family affair: You can benefit from instilling heart-healthy habits in your children.  Explore a nearby park or encourage your kids to help you cook in the kitchen, and take these healthy steps together.
  • Know your family history: Dig into your past to learn about your family’s health history.  A family history of heart disease increases your risk, so take control by making healthy choices and inform your doctor.
  • Control your stress: Long-term stress can increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and long-term heart damage.  Learning stress management techniques can be vital to your heart’s health, so breathe deep and find some time every day to do something you enjoy.

In Your 40s

  • Watch your plate—and weight: Your metabolism starts slowing down in your 40s, but you can avoid weight gain by getting plenty of exercise and sticking to a healthy diet.  Stay motivated by trying new recipes and activities, or find friend to share your new plan and help each other stay on track.
  • Have your blood sugar checked: You should have your fasting blood sugar (FBS) tested for the first time around age 45; this is often the first check for (pre)diabetes and will provide a baseline for future tests.

In Your 50s

  • Learn the warning signs: Not everyone experiences tell-tale symptoms of a stroke and heart attack, so it is important to know the warning signs.  Women can also experience different symptoms than men.
  • Follow the treatment plan: If you have been diagnosed with a condition that increases your risk for heart disease or stroke, closely follow your prescribed treatment plan, including diet, lifestyle plans and medication.

In Your 60s+

  • Have an ankle-brachial index test: In addition to eating healthy, exercising, and managing any health issues that arise, you should also have your first ankle-brachial index test, which helps diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD), a lesser-known cardiovascular disease.  This test should be performed every one to two years as part of a regular physical exam.

With age comes an increased risk for heart disease, but by taking these steps and making simple heart-healthy choices, you can help prevent heart disease at any age. Talk with your doctor or call Fort HealthCare’s Integrated Family Care for an appointment.

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