Knowing your numbers could save your life

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Story Published: May 15, 2007 at 4:45 PM PST

By Jennifer Winters

Do you know your numbers? The numbers that show if you're "heart healthy?"

Most women don't. Yet heart disease is the leading killer of women.

Now, a new program offers an easy way to know your numbers and what they mean.

72 year old Diana Severns works hard to take care of her heart.
She says, "I try to eat healthy."

She is among the first women to take advantage of the Oregon Heart and Vascular Institutes' new "Know Your Numbers" screening.

The one-stop testing inside Sacred Heart Hospital checks cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, glucose, and resting EKG, indicators that can reveal a risk of heart attack or stoke.

Dietician Nancy McCaffrey says "That's what this is all about, getting info to make changes in their lifestyle so they'll live longer happier lives."
After the half hour of tests, a computer compiles all the numbers.

A dietician reviews the results with each patient explaining what they mean, and how to improve them.

Carla Hervert, a Cardiac Therapist says "These are all controllable risk factors, the others are family history, genetics, we can't do anything about our gender or our age, but these risk factors are modifiable by lifestyle."

Quitting smoking, exercising daily, eating better and taking some medications can improve heart health.

As for Diana's numbers, McCaffry says "Your risk of heart disease is very low."

They look great:numbers that help her heart and ease her mind.
Severns says "It's wonderful"

The $59.00 screening is open to men and women.

To learn more about the screening contact the Oregon Heart and Vascular Institute, or call 686-6376.72 year old

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