Heart-attack concern
Janice Lettsome - Monday, November 26th, 2012 at 7:48 AM
Dear Editor,
All of a sudden there have been all these sad stories about heart attack.
Rumours are spreading about other cases, but only two deaths in the last few weeks seem to be clearly linked to heart attacks.
They are that of the Superintendent of Prisons Richard Holder and a tourist out of the United States who died last week after developing complications near the coast of Virgin Gorda.
Before those, there were talks of another tourist – a German – possibly dying from heart attack or drowning at Cane Garden Bay. I haven’t heard anything more about that from the media or necessary authorities.
One’s cause of death is sometimes a private matter- but there are too many talks about heart attack for the Ministry of Health not to put the matter to rest (although the tourist season is just around the corner).
What should the public do or not do? Is there something in the season? How equipped is the hospital to deal with heart-problems? Is there a reasonable cause for concern? Or, maybe my panic button went off too early….
I hope I am not sounding stupid. I just want to know.
Maybe there should be a public campaign informing people about heart attacks. Maybe elderly people with heart problems should be told not to venture out at sea.
For the purpose of writing this letter, I did a bit of research on the topic of heart attack. Truly, it was an eye-opener. However, let’s be real – not everybody will bother to research this rather “boring” topic.
Maybe the Ministry of Health can help to stimulate public interest.
One definition I have found is: “A heart attack occurs when one or more of the arteries supplying your heart with oxygen-rich blood (coronary arteries) become blocked. Over time, a coronary artery can become narrowed from the buildup of cholesterol.”
OK people. I can’t say all the information I found in one single letter. Do your own research (maybe you will never hear from the Ministry).
Yours Truly
Janice Lettsome
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We need to take responsibility for our own health issues, we are simply asking too much of the taxpayers and the government officials. Most if not all of us have access to a television and we often hear the infomercials telling us about high cholestrol, eating habits and especially the importance of exercise. We do not take care of ourselves but wait until we are near death’s door to blame the doctors, the hospital and the Ministry.
Let us be responsible citizens, take a health walk three times a day, monitor your eating habits, control your stress and more importantly look to the Creator for the way to live a meaningful life.
Things that would be beneficial would include
1. Become physically active and engage in aerobic exercise 3x a week for at least 20 minutes. The habit of exercise needs to be taught in school.
2. Cut out salt and animal fats from diets. Eat green vegetables, fresh fruits instead. This could be encouraged by altering import tariffs accordingly.
3. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
4. Don’t smoke and moderate alcohol consumption.
5. Learn to deal with stress and find ways to avoid it.
6. Be aware of your family’s medical history and hence your own genetic predisposition.
love this letter. Good point
I so agree with you on this letter. There need to be more awareness in regards to cardiac issues that have not been talked about or mentioned to the country. I have also notice that many individuals over the course of this year have died from heart attack, stroke, aneurysm etc. That includes using a family member. I would say that the healthcare personal at the hospital are really not fully equipped or knowledgeable to handle some stuff but can start the process if need be to transfer.
But honestly heart issues is some that need to be seriously addressed and is now a major concern in this beautiful islands. If wellness checked or performed by individuals who to care about their health can prevent most even those with family hx and predispositions. So I really say that country needs to come together with assistance of the government and healthcare professionals to address this concern so one can be informed and take the necessary precaution or seek the care when needed and not wait until it’s too late. I pray that this issue is addressed very soon. I am a a nurse from the Tortola living in the USA and would help where I can and when I can but will to make an effort to assist
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