Home Helpers

Home Helpers Northern Lehigh Valley Lends a ‘Helping Hand’ for Heart Health Awareness Month

Home Helpers Lends a 'Helping Hand' for Heart Health Awareness Month

Northern Lehigh Valley senior care franchise creates awareness about diagnosing heart disease

Walnutport, PA 02/01/15 -Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it is a major cause of disability. While it is the most costly and widespread of health problems, heart disease is also among the most preventable. During American Heart Month, Home Helpers of Northern Lehigh Valley is creating awareness against fighting this disease by improving heart-healthy habits and raising awareness in local homes and communities.

As the nation's leading senior care franchise specializing in non-medical and personal care and companionship for seniors, Home Helpers of Northern Lehigh Valley works with many families dealing with heart disease, who save lives and spare suffering. Every day, these dedicated individuals put themselves on the front lines in the fight against heart disease.

"The advice for becoming more "heart healthy" may sound familiar: Lose weight, quit smoking, watch your cholesterol and exercise regularly," said Vicki Crow, owner of Home Helpers of Northern Lehigh Valley. "Yet heart disease remains America's biggest killer, taking more lives than accidents and cancer combined. Home Helpers and our trained caregivers are dedicated to working with families each day to help prevent this deadly disease."

Every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event; every minute, an American will die from one. One can reduce the chance of developing coronary heart disease by taking steps to prevent and control risk factors. Additionally, it is crucial to know the signs and symptoms of heart attack to increase one's chance for a positive outcome.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Home Helpers offers signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
  
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  
• Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
  
• Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Vicki Crow adds that a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. "Many people make it harder than it is. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts."

Home Helpers offers free in-home consultations and works with clients individually to tailor flexible care plans to meet their specific needs and budgets. Services offered include companionship, grocery shopping, meal preparation, assistance bathing, dressing and feeding, medication reminders, local transportation and light housekeeping.

For more information on Home Helpers of Northern Lehigh Valley please contact Vicki Crow at 610-596-7055 or visit www.HomeHelpersHomeCare.com/northlehighvalley