Melissa Seipel - Public Health Community Trends

Interviewee:

Jennifer Merback
Communications and Marketing Director, Utah and Nevada

American Heart Association 

Being from the American Heart Association, Jennifer talked mainly about heart related health problems in Utah as well as the programs she works with to help educate and prevent these issues.   

1-      As in the rest of the United States, heart disease is the number one killer in Utah.  She said, as was expected that most of these deaths (about 80%) is preventable.  There are many contributors to heart disease, including genetics, weight, lifestyle, blood pressure, and cholesterol.  The best preventative measures are diet and exercise.  An overall good lifestyle is the most important factor to prevent heart disease. 

2-      Another large killer in both the United States and Utah is stroke.  In Utah, it is the number one cause of disability.  While stroke is not quite as preventable as heart disease, there are important things that can be done to minimize damage.  Jennifer said that a big problem is not getting the proper treatment or access to care in a timely manner.  If strokes are treated immediately, the long term effects can be greatly minimized. 

3-      Another large concern is obesity.  In Utah, 58.9% of the population is either overweight or obese.  Fortunately, Utah’s rate is lower than the national average of 64%.  However, 58.9% is still a huge number and creates concern (especially seeing that it is a leading contributor to heart disease.  One reason Utah does better than the national average is because Utahans are much more active than people in other states.  56% of Utahans spend 150 minutes per week doing physical activities.  The American Heart Association continues to promote activities that will help control obesity and keep Utahans active.

4-      Rather than discuss other health issues, Jennifer told me about some programs the American Heart Association.  Currently, they are preparing for “Stroke Awareness Month” in May.  Also, coming up soon there will be a “Go Red For Women” luncheon, which is meant to help women in Utah become more aware of the risks and preventative measures for heart disease.  Other programs include a Heart Walk/Run, Jump-Rope for Heart, Hoops for Heart, etc. Many of these activities are aimed at specific audiences, but they try to reach all Utahans regardless of age, gender, race, or any other demographic. 

5-      The last issue she talked about was fund raising.  Because the American Heart Association is a non-profit, most of their activities are aimed at fundraising and well as education.  The funds they receive, for the most part is used for research.  They help fund research at many of Utah’s universities, including BYU, Utah State and the University of Utah.  She said that they have particularly strong support in Utah (compared to other states) but the need for more money and more volunteers is always present.