Written by Barbara Farnsworth

Did you know heart disease continues to be the greatest health threat to Americans and is still the leading cause of death worldwide? Barnabas Center, in partnership with the American Heart Association, spotlights American Heart Month and how uninsured Nassau County residents may obtain Barnabas medical services to help keep their hearts healthy.  

This year, this federally designated event is even more important because of COVID-19’s possible cardiovascular impacts, including potential harmful effects on the heart and vascular system. Also, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have delayed or avoided going to hospitals for heart attacks and strokes. 

Meet Janet, a 64-year-old, Yulee woman who has diabetes and a history of heart disease. She had a heart attack in 2010 but did not receive the care she needed because she cannot afford health insurance. Thankfully, Janet had learned about Barnabas Health Services two years ago from her sister. So, when she had chest pains last May when the pandemic was becoming more widespread, she made the critical and wise decision to go to the emergency room. She was diagnosed with a severely blocked artery. Janet had surgery and was reassured upon her release from the hospital that her follow-up appointments would be at Barnabas.

“I am so incredibly grateful for Barnabas,” said Janet. “I never would have received the care that I did, nor would I be alive today, if it were not for Barnabas.”

Heart disease affects people of all ages, races, and ethnicities. But it can be prevented! Here are some tips to help you improve your heart health. You don’t have to make big changes all at once. Even small steps will make a difference.

• Be more physically active.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Quit smoking.
• Reduce stress.
• Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep.
• Track your heart health stats.

Thanks to the medical and dental services available at Barnabas, preventing and treating heart disease is a phone call away. Nassau County residents without medical insurance and whose income level meets the eligibility guidelines may receive medical care by contacting (904) 261-7000 to request an appointment. Barnabas Health Services is located at 1303 Jasmine Street in Fernandina Beach. With the recent opening of the Barnabas satellite medical clinic in Callahan and dental clinic in Hillard, health services are now also being offered to uninsured adults in west Nassau County.

For more information about American Heart Month, visit the AHA’s website at https://www.heart.org.