February is American Heart Month, an important reminder to take care of hearts. Cardiovascular diseases accounts for more deaths than any other major cause of death in the United States. Recently, Paragon teamed up with the American Heart Association and the City of Dallas to provide a blood pressure kiosk in the Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL).

Located between the TSA checkpoint and the Garage A/B sky bridge escalators, this free blood pressure kiosk empowers people to know their numbers. The American Heart Association states that a reading greater than 130/80 is considered high blood pressure, impacting nearly half of American adults. If not properly managed, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney disease, and kidney failure.

Learn to check your blood pressure, adjust your lifestyle and habits to lower your number, and control your heart health going forward. If you have been diagnosed with a cardiac condition or are at risk for developing high blood pressure, do your part to manage your cardiovascular health.

6 Tips for Managing Your Cardiac Condition and Heart Health:

• Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Whether you are on infusion therapy, an oral drug, or injectable medication, be sure to adhere to the regimen outlined by your physician. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor questions or for clarity related to your treatment.
• Monitor your blood pressure. Know your numbers and what habits or activities cause a noticeable shift in your blood pressure so that you can properly manage your condition and prevent additional health complications.
• Eat heart-healthy foods per your dietary needs. Every person is different and requires varying nutritional needs based on their condition, medications, etc. Talk to your doctor about what nutrition options are best suited for you and your condition.
• Eliminate smoking and alcohol habits. Tabacco and alcohol can increase your risk of heart disease and worsen existing conditions. Talk to your doctor about support and resources for quitting smoking and drinking.
• Stay active within your limits and as recommended by your doctor. For many people with severe cardiac conditions, typical exercises may not be suitable – talk to your doctor about safe and beneficial activities for your health stage. People who do not have a severe cardiac condition but wish to prevent heart disease, consider walking, cycling, yoga, and other activities that promote heart health.
• Manage your emotional and mental health by connecting with local support groups. Heart disease can be scary and challenging, but many organizations provide resources and support to cardiac patients.

Here are some important dates this month designed to raise awareness about heart health:

• February 1-28: American Heart Month – A national effort to encourage people to focus on their cardiovascular health. To participate, adopt heart-healthy habits!
• February 5: National Wear Red Day® – Each year, on the first Friday in February, people nationwide come together by wearing red to raise awareness about heart disease. Wear red to participate!
• February 7-14: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week– Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week is observed each year during February 7–14 to promote awareness and education about congenital heart defects (CHDs), which affects approximately one in 100 births every year in the United States.
• February 14: National Donor Day – Also coinciding with Valentine’s Day, National Donor Day focuses on giving. Many people donate organs, blood, platelets, and marrow. To participate, find a donor event near you through Donate Life.
• February 14-20: Heart Failure Awareness Week – Focuses on promoting heart failure awareness, patient education, and heart failure prevention. Join in the conversation by using hashtag #HFWeek2021.
• February 22: Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day– Dedicated to increasing recognition of the specific risks and symptoms of heart valve disease, which can be disabling and deadly, but available treatments can save lives. Learn more at org.

At Paragon, we serve patients with a wide range of cardiac conditions, including congestive heart failure (CHF), heart transplants, LVAD implantation, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and more, all to provide them with comfort and quality of life.

We provide cardiac patients with a range of therapy options tailored to meet their needs, including inotrope therapy, nutrition support, antibiotics, and end-of-life care. If you or a loved one are seeking a healthcare company that puts people first, focusing on comfort and specializing in infusion care in the home setting, tell your provider that you want to join the Paragon family. We’ll handle the rest of the referral process and reach out to you directly to follow up.

For more information about Paragon Home Infusion Therapy, visit our Home Infusion Therapy page.

Learn more about your Heart Health at https://www.heart.org/.