Think you’re too young for heart disease? Think again.
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in South Carolina (yes, you read that right). We like our tea sweet and our food greasy, but sadly that’s really not good for us.
What can you do to determine if you’re at risk? Take part in Bon Secours St. Francis’ Heart Screening Day.
On Thursday, February 15, the health system will provide *free* screening tests to our community so put your excuses aside + listen up for your future’s sake. Here’s what you have to do:
- Simply don’t eat or drink after midnight so your results will be accurate
- Show up to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena between 7 and 9 a.m. (There’s free parking in the Church Street garage)
- Register at the door (preregistration isn’t required)
- Nurses will take your weight, height + blood pressure
- You’ll then have your blood drawn and staff members will test your blood
- A nurse will then review your (hopefully good) results with you
- Heart healthy post-screening snacks will be available so you don’t get shaky
- Expect to spend an hour to an hour + a half
Dieticians, diabetes educators + cardiac nurses will be on hand to help you create a plan so your heart lives its healthiest life. If you’re worried about the cost of keeping your heart happy, representatives from a free clinic will also be there to get you the best medical + financial care.
What can you do to prevent heart disease?
Pat Barnes, Bon Secours’ HealThy Self Chronic Condition management program, says that if you’re over the age of 30, you should at least know your numbers (triglycerides, blood pressure, blood sugar, height + weight). If you smoke, quit. Seriously y’all, we know better. Barnes says to try to find heart-healthy snacks to sneak into your day and skip the fast food.
Pro tip: If there’s a commercial for it, it’s likely not good for you.
If you’re a 20-something-year-old and you’re eye rolling this right now, listen up friend. I’m 26, active, a healthy eater and of normal weight, yet I’ve had heart issues since I was 15 that went undetected + uncared for because I was so young. Youth means nothing, genetics + diet mean everything so take the time to really invest in your future self.
This content was created in partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis.
