Heart disease in New Jersey Counties
In New Jersey, heart disease affects many people, but some counties have higher rates than others. For example, in 2020, the age-adjusted death rates per 100,000 people were:
- Cape May County: 207.3 deaths (1 out of 5 people)
- Cumberland County: 253.2 deaths (1 out of 4 people)
- Gloucester County: 192.6 deaths (almost 1 out of 5 people)
These numbers show that heart disease is a serious issue in our communities and we must come together to do our part.
How Can You Help?
We all have a part in making heart healthy choices for ourselves and loved ones. Here are some heart smart lifestyle choices to keep your heart the healthiest it can be.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Choose meals filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.
- Stay Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity during your day. This can be done at home (Ex.: Walking in place while watching one complete television show, doing arm exercises with bottles of laundry detergent, jugs of water, or water bottles, walking the stairs of your home or apartment, etc.) or outside by visiting your local park for a walk or walking around the block.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, negatively impacts your overall cardiovascular health, and should be completely avoided. Looking to quit smoking? Contact CompleteCare to learn more about how we can help!
- Get Regular Check-Ups: Visit your CompleteCare provider to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart health.
By making these changes, you can help reduce the risk of heart disease for yourself and your community.
Call to Action
This February, let’s all take steps to improve our heart health. Share this information about American Heart Month on your social media or with your family and friends. Encourage others to make heart-healthy choices. Together, we can make a difference and save lives!