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February 2012

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February is American Heart Month.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Controlling blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, quitting smoking, and getting enough exercise are important ways to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

Learn more about this topic with items from the Community Health Library:

	Cardiovascular Disorders Sourcebook Edited by Amy L. Sutton Although cardiovascular disorders may sometimes produce sudden symptoms, such as chest or head pain, they may also develop silently, providing no warning of the heart and blood vessel damage being done. Fortunately, advances in disease detection, recommendations regarding lifestyle choices, new medications, and innovative treatments now make it possible to reduce-or even prevent-the disabling health consequences frequently associated with many common cardiovascular disorders.
	Living Well with Heart Failure: The Misnamed, Misunderstood Condition By Edward K. Kasper, M.D. and Mary Knudson Heart failure expert Edward K. Kasper, M.D., teams with journalist-and survivor-Mary Knudson to give readers an honest account of this misunderstood disease. The authors explain the complex science of heart failure and look critically at the care available.
	Prevent, Halt & Reverse Heart Disease: 109 Things You Can Do By Joseph C. Piscatella & Barry A. Franklin, Ph.D. The book is divided into three sections: Cardiac Markers (10 of the most important risk factors are examined so that you can assess your risk and understand what the doctor is telling you); Life Skills (the 109 practical tips, from #3 increase your HDL level to #22 breathe deeply to #99 know your margarines to #109 floss your teeth); and Cardiac Basics (an explanation of contemporary tests and treatments).
	Tell Me What to Eat If I Suffer From Heart Disease: Nutrition You Can Live With By Elaine Magee, M.P.H., R.D. You'll learn how your waist and neck measurements put you at risk for heart disease and how best to change them; the 10 things cardiologists want you to know after you've been diagnosed with heart disease; the heart smart supermarket tour, including the 4 things to look for on the food label; and specific foods that should be eaten almost every day to protect your heart and arteries. This book also includes dozens of heart healthy versions of your favorite foods plus vital restaurant advice.
	Your Heart's Rhythm: Keeping a Steady Beat (DVD) This entry from Cleveland Clinic's Health Talks series addresses issues affecting the heart, including Atrial Fibrillation and Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Websites:

Heart Disease - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Heart Disease Risk Questionnaire - Siteman Cancer Center

Your Guide to Living Well With Heart Disease (PDF) - National Institutes of Health

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Barberton Public Library - 602 West Park Avenue - Barberton, OH 44203 - (330) 745-1194