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February is American Heart Health Month, a time dedicated to understanding, preventing, and treating heart disease. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death, with high blood pressure being a significant risk factor often referred to as a “silent killer.” Bellin Health, with locations in Marquette, Iron Mountain, Escanaba, and Green Bay, is dedicated to educating the public about heart health, offering services including acute care, chronic disease management, and triage services to assess patients’ medical urgency.
February Heart Health Month: A Special Focus on Heart Disease
In American Heart Health Month this February, the emphasis is on understanding, preventing, and treating heart disease, which remains the top cause of death in the US. Bellin Health, with locations in Marquette, Iron Mountain, Escanaba, and Green Bay, encourages people to stay informed about their personal health.
Understanding Heart Health: The Role of Blood Pressure
Bellin Health reports that high blood pressure is a silent killer contributing to the annual death of over 600,000 Americans due to heart disease. A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80, and knowing one’s blood pressure is the first step to heart health, best ascertained by visiting a primary care provider.
Services at Bellin Health Marquette
Bellin Health Marquette caters to patients of all ages across the Upper Peninsula, offering well-child checks, sports physicals, annual exams, acute care and chronic disease management. Since it opened in 2022, its cardiology department has logged over 6,000 visits, including remote and in-person check-ins.
Heart Health Diagnostics: The Echo Room and Triage Services
Bellin Health Marquette uses echocardiogram machines in its echo room, which highlights changes in heart size, pumping strength, heart muscle damage, valve disorders, and congenital heart defects. Bellin Health also provides triage services to evaluate patients’ medical urgency and the required treatment.
Improving Heart Health: Tips from the Experts
At Bellin Health, Nurse Practitioner Kristi Haapalainen suggests improving heart health by eating healthier and exercising regularly. Dr. Youssef Chami also stresses the importance of understanding your cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke.
Community Outreach by Bellin Health
As part of its community outreach, Bellin Health will provide Northern Michigan University with 5 AEDs and training for their use on Valentine’s Day. They are also hosting an open house at Bellin Health Marquette on February 20, inviting the public to learn more about their services.
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