February 2016
Your community. Your health. Your life.
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February is Heart Month

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the US, but signs of a heart attack are often attributed to other issues such as the flu, acid reflux or just getting older. A common myth is that all heart attacks are unmistakable, but the fact is that symptoms in women can be far more subtle. Instead of the intense chest pain, some women report upper back pressure while others experience dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
  
Signs of a Heart Attack (Courtesy of the American Heart Association)
  1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
  2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
  4. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
  5. As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
A heart attack strikes someone about every 43 seconds. Even when the signs are subtle, the consequences can be deadly, especially if there is a delay in seeking help. If you experience any of the above signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. That starts the chain of medical treatment needed to give you the best chance of survival. Remember, every minute counts!

The ambulance squads in Plymouth County are trained and have the resources to provide the immediate medical attention needed in the event of a heart attack. Some squads even have the ability to transmit heart rhythms directly to Floyd Valley's Emergency Department while enroute. Once at FVH, specially trained nurses and dedicated emergency physicians work to stabilize the patient. In some cases, a patient will need to be transferred either by ground ambulance or air care to the nearest heart center for more advanced care.

Every Minute Counts Community Program
  
Cardiac Testing             Cardiac Rehabilitation             Cardiology Clinics
Heart Health by the Numbers
In addition to good nutrition and an active lifestyle, knowing your numbers can help you keep your heart healthy.  Here is what you need to know:
  1. Blood Pressure - less than 120/80 mmHg
    Blood pressure is a measurement of systolic pressure (top number) in the arteries when your heart beats and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) in the arteries between heartbeats.  Checking your blood pressure has gotten easier with blood pressure kiosks (including one located in the lower level at FVH by the Conference Center) and home technology.   

  2. Total Cholesterol - less than 180 mg/dL
    A total cholesterol screening will show your total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.  During the month of February, FVH offers cholesterol screenings in Le Mars, Marcus and Remsen for $20.   

  3. Fasting Blood Sugar - less than 100 mg/dL
    This blood test helps screen the amount of glucose in your bloodstream.  A fasting blood sugar, or glucose screening, is included in the annual cholesterol screening done at FVH.  

  4. BMI - between 18.5 - 25 kg/m
    This is a value of your weight in relation to your height.

There are many other lifestyle choices that help you lead a more heart-healthy lifestyle, such as not using tobacco, limiting alcoholic consumption and keeping your stress level in check.  If you would like to discuss lifestyle choices and ways to make healthy changes, please contact your primary care physician.

 

Floyd Valley Clinics

Mumps 101

During the fall, many of us learned of a mumps outbreak on the University of Iowa campus.  During winter break, many of the students went home to celebrate the holidays.  Beginning in January, the state saw an increase of cases including a limited number of confirmed cases in Plymouth County.   

 

Mumps is a viral illness spread by contact with saliva (sharing cups/utensils) or by airborne respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing or talking).  The most commons symptoms of mumps include:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Muscle aches

  • Tiredness

  • Loss of appetite

  • Swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should stay home from work, school, childcare or any public places.  Contact your healthcare provider via phone.  Arrangements will be made for you to receive care while minimizing infecting others.  Isolate yourself at home until 5 days after the onset of your symptoms or until symptoms go away - whichever is longer.

 

As with most illnesses, practicing good hand hygiene, covering your coughs and sneezes, not sharing utensils/cups and staying home when ill can help limit the spread of mumps including reducing your own risk.  Confirming with your healthcare provider that you have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine is also recommended.  Virtually all school children in Iowa have received two doses, but adults may be missing the second dose.  If you have had mumps, you are most likely immune to the disease.

 

If you have questions, please contact Floyd Valley Community Health at (712) 546-3335.

 

Iowa Department of Public Health (Mump Information Page)