Mat-Su Regional Medical Center’s 28-day Healthy Heart Challenge

1/12/2023

PALMER, AK – Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 650,000 people each year. Here are some other facts everyone should know about heart disease:

• In the U.S., one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease.
• Every year, about 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack.
• Nearly half of American adults (47%) suffer from high blood pressure, or hypertension, which increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke. However, only about 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure have their condition under control.

Another important fact is that most people can take steps right now to reduce the risks related to heart disease.

In many cases, heart disease is preventable, according to Fahad Younas, M.D., an interventional cardiologist with Mat-Su Medical Group. “By adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and controlling blood sugar, cholesterol and treating high blood pressure, we can all reduce our risk for heart disease.”

Since 1964, February has been recognized as American Heart Month – a time of year dedicated to increasing awareness about heart health and highlighting steps we can take to create a heart healthy lifestyle.

This year, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is taking the entire month of February to help people in the community learn ways to reduce their risks of heart disease with the 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge. Participants will receive a daily email with short, informative articles, quick tips, and a daily challenge to promote heart health.

“Mat-Su Regional is committed to helping people live healthier,” said Dave Wallace, hospital chief executive. “For most of us, the best place to start is by taking better care of our hearts. People who join us for this challenge will find the content takes only a couple of minutes to read each day. It’s fun, informative and sometimes surprising. It can even be life-saving. I hope everyone will sign up for the challenge and join us on a 28-day journey to a healthier heart.”

The 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge includes 28 challenges that can help participants eat healthier, develop a more physically active lifestyle, relieve stress and lower blood pressure. To sign-up for the 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge, visit https://www.matsuregional.com/heart-challenge.

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