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Heart health makes happy humans

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  With cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, 18th Medical Group officials held their annual health fair Feb. 10 to educate the population on living heart healthy.

Representatives from high blood pressure education, sickle cell disease awareness, diabetes awareness and laboratory services were at the Exchange to help Team Kadena learn more about their health.

"We want to be able to bring information to the population here about healthy lifestyles," said Capt. Anastasia McKoy, 18th MDG Internal Medicine Clinic flight commander. "Blood pressure screenings are what we're doing here, as well as giving information on hypertension, hyperlidemia, which is elevated cholesterol, diabetes, and anything else that can affect your body and your lifestyle."

Also represented were mental health services, alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment, children's dental health month, and the sexual assault response coordinators to give advice to Team Kadena members about a well-rounded healthy lifestyle.

"With Heart Healthy February, we're focused on prevention," said Maj. Roslyn Thomas, 18th MDG disease manager. "Our goal today is to show people we care here."

Making heart-healthy decisions to prevent major diseases is everyone's duty. For tips on staying heart-healthy, contact your primary care provider for simple how-to's.