Focus on Health Issues

National Wear Red Day is always the first Friday in February. For 2018 it is February 2nd.

It is a symbolic way to show support for women’s heart health. It’s no coincidence that it is celebrated during February, which is American Heart Month. As we all know, the heart is the very symbol of the month’s most celebrated holiday, Valentine’s Day.

Promoting a heart healthy lifestyle is important because we know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kane County. Because of that, our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) identifies chronic diseases, such as heart disease, as one of the major threats to community health and well-being.

For example, our research shows that the rate for uncontrolled hypertension in Kane County to be 32.2% in 2014, and that heart disease is one of the leading cause of hospitalizations in Kane, accounting for 1021.5 hospital stays per 10,000 population in 2012. Nationally, the cost of heart disease and stroke was estimated to be $444 billion for 2010. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity. These conditions also are leading causes of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities

Healthy diets and physical activity are important for all of us. Kid and adults alike can reap the benefits of eating well and getting plenty of exercise. Learn more about Go Red for Women.

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of the heart, which is why we recognize American Heart Month during the month of February. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 leading causes of death in Kane County, and the Kane County Health Department will be emphasizing heart health throughout February.

The recently completed Community Health Assessment shows that heart disease is the leading cause of hospitalization in Kane County, accounting for 23 percent of total patients; further, as much as four percent of the population reported ever having a heart attack.

Some more statistics:

Percent of Kane County adults who reported everhaving:
~ Angina or coronary heart disease 2.8%
~ Stroke 1.4%
The rate of hospitalization for uncontrolled hypertension 44.1 per 100,000 residents (2009)
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kane County with an age adjusted death rate of 171.8 per 100,000 residents (2007)
Stroke is the third leading cause of death with age adjusted rate of 41.9 per 100,000