As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, it’s important to think about anatomical hearts, which perform the vital job of pumping blood through our bodies. Cardiovascular health is a major health concern.
Cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke) is the leading cause of death worldwide and in the United States. It is thought that as many as a third of Americans have hypertension (high blood pressure), a large risk factor for the development of several cardiovascular diseases. Other risk factors include:
- obesity,
- diabetes,
- sedentary lifestyle,
- high sodium diet,
- high fat diet,
- chronic stress and
- smoking.
The American Heart Association (AHA) donates millions of dollars each year to clinical and basic science research. Between 2008 and 2012, AHA gave more than $4 million to cardiovascular research in the state of Nebraska alone and UNMC received more than $2.6 million of these funds.
To help raise funds for AHA, UNMC’s Cellular and Integrative Physiology Department has formed a team for the May 11 Heart Walk at Miller’s Landing.
You can help them meet their fundraising goal – and get a sweet gift for your Valentine — by purchasing candy-grams this week from CIP students and postdoctoral fellows. Valentine’s Day themed bags of candy will be sold for $3. For an extra $2, a card with a personal message will be included and delivered to your friends, colleagues or loved ones on campus.
- When: Monday, Feb. 11 – Thursday, Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Where: DRC Commons and outside the UNMC Cafeteria