Lunch and Learn: Loving Your Heart for the Health of It!

March 11, 2021 - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in partnership with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Health & Fitness Committee will be having monthly lunch and learn to provide information on various topics. This month we will focus on heart health. We recommend giving your heart love, by being aware of heart problems and the steps you can take to prevent them.

On Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in partnership with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Health & Fitness Committee and Allegiance Mobile Health will host a lunch and learn on heart disease. Dr. Florencio Singson will be our guest speaker. Dr. Florencio Singson, MD is an Internal Medicine Specialist in Center, TX. He is affiliated with medical facilities CHI St. Luke's Health - Memorial Lufkin and Nacogdoches Medical Center.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 610,000 deaths each year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The root cause of heart disease is plaque formation and buildup that occurs when coronary arteries become clogged by cholesterol, fatty deposits, and calcium. Buildup causes arteries to become narrow, making it difficult for oxygen and blood to flow through the body and to the organs.

Anyone is at risk for developing heart disease. However, people who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoke cigarettes are at higher risk. According to the CDC, about 47% of Americans have at least one of these risk factors. Additional factors that contribute to the progression of the disease include:

  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Poor diet
  • Physical inactivity
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Having a family history of heart disease
  • Age, especially in women 55 and older

Dr. Singson will speak via Zoom on heart health to help you become aware of risk factors and other issues associated with cardiovascular disease.

Be sure to RSVP to 936 598-7744 no later than Tuesday, March 16, 2021 if you would like to attend. Lunch will be provided; space is limited and all COVID19 precautions will be taken. If you have questions, please contact Feleshia Thompson, County Extension Agent – Family and Community Health at the above number or via email at feleshia.thompson@ag.tamu.edu.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm