By Jeff Wentworth - State Senator District 25
Published: 02-01-08
Published: 02-01-08
Valentine’s Day is approaching and it seems there are no limits to the number of cards and gifts with a heart theme; however we should remember that a healthy heart is the greatest “heart” gift of all.Because Valentine’s Day is in February it is appropriate that the month is designated American Heart Month. This year I am pleased to report that Texans are responding to public awareness campaigns and our legislative efforts to promote healthy lifestyles.
While heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States and Texas since 1995 the percentage of deaths from heart disease has decreased steadily. New mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that since 1999 coronary heart disease and stroke age-adjusted death rates are down by 25.8 percent and 24.4 percent respectively.
The mortality rate from heart disease has dropped so much that in January the American Heart Association announced it had already reached its 2010 goal of reducing heart-related deaths by 25 percent.
Even with the significant decrease heart disease and stroke are still the first and third leading causes of death for both men and women. Not only are they the number one and number three killers in Texas but together they are the “number one drain” on healthcare resources according to information provided by the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke which the 75th Legislature created in 1997.
Total hospitalization charges for heart disease and stroke patients were more than $9.8 billion in 2004. In addition the charges have increased 62 percent from 1999 to 2004.
Although heart disease and stroke are among the most prevalent and costly of all health problems they also are the most preventable.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as tobacco use little or no exercise and poor nutrition are major contributors to heart disease and stroke. As a result last year the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 10 which enacts the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services for improving health outcomes by increasing consumer choice and responsibility with pilot programs such as positive incentives for healthy lifestyles health savings accounts and regular healthcare visits.
Reducing cardiovascular disease is a landmark achievement one in which every Texan who practices a healthy lifestyle may be proud. I know I am proud of the Texas Legislature’s continued efforts to encourage young Texans to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Our efforts include establishing healthcare endowments such as the Permanent Fund for Tobacco Education and Enforcement mandating physical education classes in elementary and junior schools improving school lunches and appropriating money for public awareness campaigns.
The Legislature however can do only so much. It is up to individuals to protect the hearts of those we love and who love us.
