At Community Health Centers of South Central Texas (CHCSCT), we believe that a healthy community starts with a healthy heart. That is why we are joining together this February to celebrate American Heart Month. While it is true that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, there is an even more powerful statistic to remember: an estimated 80% of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is preventable.
What exactly is heart disease? Simply put, heart disease refers to several types of conditions that affect how well your heart can pump blood. The most common form involves a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can make it harder for oxygen and nutrients to reach the rest of your body. Because this often happens silently without many symptoms, we want to bring awareness to the importance of early detection.
Our team is wearing red this month to show support and to bring awareness to prevention. We encourage the women and families we serve to take charge of their wellness. Through early education, simple lifestyle shifts, and regular screenings, we can change the story of heart health in our community. Prevention starts with showing up for yourself and your children, and at CHCSCT, we are here to support your family through every stage of life.
For Women: Your Yearly Checkup is a Heart-Check
Many women view their Well-Woman exam as a visit for reproductive health. While that is a big part of it, these visits are also the most important tool we have to monitor your heart. Women can experience heart issues differently than men such as feeling unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, or even jaw pain instead of chest pressure.
What to expect during your exam: During your visit, we check your vitals. These are simple, painless tests that give us a snapshot of your heart health:
- Blood Pressure: Think of this as the “pressure gauge” for your heart. Keeping it in a healthy range reduces stress on your arteries.
- Heart Rate: We check how many times your heart beats per minute to make sure it’s pumping efficiently.
- Blood Sugar & Labs: A quick check for cholesterol and sugar levels. These are important because they affect how easily blood flows through your body.
- Weight & Height: These measurements help us understand your body’s unique needs and how to best support your energy levels.
Checking these vitals once a year helps you stay in control of your health and aware of the state of your heart.
The Connection to Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most significant events a woman’s body will go through. It acts as a natural “stress test” for the heart. Conditions like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes during pregnancy don’t just affect your delivery, they can signal a need for closer heart monitoring as you get older.
We offer prenatal care to keep both mom and baby safe during this time, ensuring that your heart stays strong long after your little one arrives.
For Kids: Healthy Hearts Start Early
Heart health is a lifelong journey that begins in childhood. Our pediatricians focus on the annual exam to ensure your children are growing exactly as they should.
During a pediatric visit, we focus on:
- Growth Tracking: Measuring height, weight, and development to ensure their heart and body are in balance.
- Immunizations: Staying on schedule with vaccinations protects children from illnesses that can cause inflammation and put unnecessary strain on a young heart.
- Healthy Habits: We offer simple guidance on nutrition and activity that fits your family’s real life.
Oral health is also a big part of overall heart health. Did you know that 1 in 5 children have at least one untreated decayed tooth? Research shows that untreated dental infections can actually impact heart health later in life. By visiting our dental team for routine cleanings, you’re protecting more than just your child’s smile, you’re protecting their heart. Read more about what to expect at a dental visit here or learn more about our dental services here.
Care For Your Heart Close to Home
Three ways to protect your family’s heart this month:
- Know Your Vitals: Schedule an annual exam to check your overall health, blood pressure and glucose.
- Move Together: Try to find 30 minutes a day for a walk or be active.
- Listen to Your Body: If you feel “off” or unusually tired, don’t wait. Talk to one of our providers.
We know life is busy, and managing the health of an entire family can be overwhelming. Our community health centers make it easier by offering care for everyone in one place. Whether you need a pediatrician, a women’s health specialist, or a dentist, we are here for you regardless of your insurance status. Call us at 800-343-1577 to schedule an appointment or find a location near you.
Helpful Resources & Sources:
- CDC: About Heart Disease & Prevention
- World Heart Federation: CVD Prevention: How to Lower Your Risk
- CDC: Understanding Gestational Diabetes
- CHCSCT Blog: What to Expect at a Dental Visit with Dr. U
- CDC: Children’s Oral Health. ” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health
