Cristin McCarthy Vahey

Dear Neighbors,

Starting this week, I plan to share a regular public health announcement or update along with other community events and information. This week, the focus is heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for both women and men. Please let me know if you have community events you would like shared either through an e-blast or social media - we will do our best to help get the word out on many of the opportunities here in Bridgeport and Fairfield!

February was Heart Month. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to listen to what I shared at a recent press conference highlighting a bill we passed in the Public Health Committee last year regarding coronary calcium scans. Coverage of the Coronary Calcium Score is now required by certain individual and group insurance plans.

The test takes just a few moments and can help uncover hidden risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about whether this test is right for you.

Here are some other important facts about heart disease:

• It is the #1 killer of women and men, but only half of women realize this is the case
• Know the signs, symptoms, and risk factors:
  
  • Women are at increased risk of heart disease after menopause due to hormonal changes
  • High blood pressure, especially during pregnancy – black women are 60% more likely to experience high blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Physical inactivity
  • Smoking
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Stress and depression
• Sometimes we don’t know we are at risk of a plaque buildup in our arteries – this is where a cardiac calcium score can help (It is the only time I have ever hoped for a zero on a test)

What you can do:

• Get regular preventive check-ups with your medical provider
• Call 911 if you are feeling chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, dizziness or shortness of breath. These indicators come from the CDC website
• Make behavioral changes – start small
  • Start taking the stairs
  • Change one food in your diet
  • Use the Quitline to help you stop smoking – 1-800-QUIT-NOW
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Talk with a friend to help reduce stress
• Know Your Numbers – see below for how Fairfield’s Public Health Department can help

Early detection and treatment can save lives.

This March, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, there are many opportunities to celebrate and learn about the women in the past and the present who help make our communities healthy, safe, and full of opportunity.

Next week, I am excited to join the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce to honor a number of local women leaders. You can purchase a ticket and join the celebration here. In addition, please take a look at some of the other community event with the League of Women Voters, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and the Discovery Museum.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. As always, please feel free to reach out directly with your ideas, questions, or concerns. You can reach me by phone at (860) 240-8585 or (203) 522-3037.

Take care,

Cristin McCarthy Vahey