Get active and check your cholesterol during American Health Month

February 16, 2023

Get active and check your cholesterol during American Health Month

MOBILE, Ala. — Each year, the Mobile County Health Department and Family Health – its primary care division — recognize February as American Heart Month. This is a time to promote heart disease prevention and management efforts at home and across the community.

Earlier in the month, Mayor Sandy Stimpson presented a proclamation to Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County, proclaiming February as American Health Month in the City of Mobile. Dr. Michaels stated to the City Council that “more than 800,000 people die each year in the U.S. from cardiovascular disease.”

Dr. Michaels went on to say, “That all residents need to optimize their health by improving habits that keep their heart healthy, including regular cholesterol screens.” Preventing high blood cholesterol, known as hypercholesterolemia, can lower one’s risk for heart disease and stroke.

This Heart Month, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is expanding the reach of the Million Hearts and CDC Foundation’s “Live to the Beat” campaign. This focuses on encouraging and empowering Black adults ages 35 to 54 to take small steps to reduce their risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

CVD and CVD mortality are increasing in working-age adults, and Black adults are among those bearing the highest burden of CVD and the related health consequences, particularly in the United States. Black adults in the United States die from heart disease at a rate two times higher than White adults.

MCHD offers a smartphone app called “My MCHD Health Check.” This app includes a section dealing with high cholesterol. Search “My MCHD Health Check” or click the following link to download the free app — https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603.

Since its inception in 1979, Family Health has provided services to the uninsured, underinsured, insured, and medically underserved populations of Mobile County. In addition to the general population, the center has also targeted special populations (such as migrant and seasonal workers, refugees, public housing residents, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Call 251-690-8889 for an appointment today.