In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we would like to talk about a topic that can potentially save someone’s life: recognizing the signs of a heart attack or stroke. A heart attack happens when the flow of blood that brings oxygen to a part of your heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked.

Signs of a heart attack include:

• A feeling of discomfort in the center of the chest that can last more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. The discomfort can feel like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Persons can also feel discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath is common with or without chest discomfort.
• Other possible signs include a cold sweat, nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and feeling unusually tired or lightheaded.

Do not wait to get help if you or someone you know has any sign of a heart attack. Even if you are not sure if it is a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away. Some people feel it would be embarrassing to have a “false alarm.” Others are so afraid of having a heart attack that they tell themselves they aren’t having one. These feelings are easy to understand, but they’re also very dangerous. Call 9-1-1 and get help right away.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.

The acronym F.A.S.T – FAST – can be used to remember the most common signs of stroke.

• F is for face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Is the person's smile uneven?
• A is for arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm weak or numb? Does one arm drift downward?
• S is for speech difficulty. Ask the person to say their name. Is speech slurred?
• T is for time to call 911. If the person is experiencing signs of stroke, call 911 right away. Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.

Other stroke symptoms can include:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and
• Severe headache with no known cause.

If someone is having a stroke, it’s critical to get them medical attention right away. Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and prevent death. Call 911 right away.

Visit our website at www.meridenhealth.com for more information on heart health. You can also join a local challenge by watching a brief video on how to do hands-only CPR and answering 2 questions. Our goal is to have as many Meriden residents as possible watch the video for American Heart Month. If you have any questions please reach out to our office at 203-630-4221.

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, your local health department would like to offer actionable tips to keep your heart healthy.

First, movement is key. You don’t need to participate in intense workouts—just 30 minutes of walking, dancing, or active chores can improve heart health. At the Meriden Senior Center, members have the opportunity to participate in weekly exercise classes such as strength & tone, weight training, aerobics, and yoga. Meriden Parks & Recreation also offers opportunities for community hikes, yoga, and more at some of Meriden’s beautiful parks. Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, improve sleep, and reduce stress, which can improve and maintain your heart health.

Nutrition matters too. Filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats helps lower your risk of heart disease. Cutting back on salty, processed foods can make a big difference. Locally, we are proud that the Meriden Senior Center offers a daily healthy lunch through their elderly nutrition program. Meriden Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services provides breakfast and lunch to all students following recommended dietary guidelines to keep students healthy and ready to learn.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and can contribute to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. Quitting smoking can significantly lower the risk of heart disease. The CT Quitline offers several options for beginning your quit journey. Start talking with a Quit Coach today by calling 1-800-784-8669.

And lastly, know your numbers. Meet your heart health goals by keeping track of how much you exercise, your blood pressure, your cholesterol numbers—all of which can impact your heart health—and tell your healthcare provider how you’re doing. Our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street offers no-cost blood pressure screenings. To schedule an appointment please call (203) 630-4234.

Heart health is not about perfection. Choose one habit today and build from there. Your heart will thank you. Learn more about Meriden’s initiatives by visiting www.meridenct.gov.

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we would like to highlight 2 events we are holding in honor of American Heart Month.

American Heart Month, recognized every February, serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize their heart health and take proactive steps to reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases. The initiative encourages people to learn about heart health, understand risk factors, and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, yet many cases are preventable. American Heart Month reminds us that caring for our heart does not require big, dramatic changes. Small daily choices—like moving more, eating better, and managing stress—can make a powerful difference.

Your local health department is kicking off American Heart Month with two upcoming events:

1. Thursday, February 5 our Public Health Clinic staff will be at the Meriden Senior Center at 22 West Main Street from 10:00 to 11:00am offering no-cost blood pressure screenings. This event is open to the public and no appointments are required.
2. Friday, February 6 is National Wear Red Day, a national movement to raise awareness for women’s cardiovascular health. Stop down to our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street for a no-cost blood pressure screenings 9-10am and 12-1pm. Please call (203) 630-4234 to schedule an appointment. And, don’t forget to wear red!