NEWS RELEASE
February 15, 2000
Haveman Announces Positive Trend in Fight Against Heart Disease
Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. today announced that Michigan has been making solid progress in the fight against heart disease, the leading cause of all deaths in the state.
"The rate of death from heart disease in Michigan has declined 18 percent during the past 10 years, and the decline of heart disease death rates in Michigan over those 10 years has been greater than it has been nationally," said Haveman. "I am extremely pleased with this trend because heart disease has been an area of special concern."
Death rates from heart disease declined in all categories. For women, for instance, between 1980 and 1998, the age-adjusted heart disease rates declined 30 percent from 149.8 to 104.2. That represents an annual decline of 1.7 percent. For white women only, the rates declined 32.5 percent from 143.8 to 97.1, representing an annual decline of 1.8 percent. For black women, the rates declined 24.3 percent from 201.4 to 152.4, representing an annual decline of 1.4 percent.
"This department has been actively working to decrease the incidence and impact of heart disease," said Haveman. "While I'm glad our efforts are having an effect, there is no doubt that we have more work to do."
Most heart disease risks are related to individual health behaviors. "Smoking, high blood pressure, overweight, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle and diabetes all contribute to heart disease," said (AHA representative). "Eighty-four percent of Michigan adults are estimated to have at least one of these risk factors. More than 50 percent are estimated to have two or more of these risk factors, while only 15.9 percent are estimated to have none. Obviously we need to keep on hitting home the message of lifestyle changes and regular check-ups." (AHA) said that a number of successful collaborations between MDCH and AHA are doing just that.
The Department of Community Health's Worksite and Community Health Promotion (WCHP) program offers cardiovascular disease prevention programs throughout the state. These programs provide heart health screening and education about how to control risk factors for heart disease. Services include help in reducing tobacco use, improving blood pressure and cholesterol control, improving diet and increasing physical activity.
A Faith-Based Outreach Network has been developed to enable members of the African-American community to receive chronic disease prevention services focusing on heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and violence prevention. This initiative provides mini-grants to faith-based organizations depending on their needs and interests. This year, MDCH and the American Heart Association will be sponsoring Blood Pressure Sunday, on May 21, 2000. The event will offer blood pressure screening and education at churches in the Detroit area.
MDCH's newest heart disease and stroke awareness program is one that was developed specifically for women of color in Michigan. Called Heart to Heart, it is an interactive slide presentation that focuses on the risk factors of heart disease and stroke, signs and symptoms, importance of regular health check-ups, exercise and nutrition. The slide show is being presented to women business organizations, sororities, churches and other women's groups, primarily in southeastern Michigan. To arrange a presentation, call Lewis A. Jones, Jr., M.D., (517) 335-8024.
The department's 5-A-Day for Better Health Program works with local communities to promote fruit and vegetable consumption in the context of a low fat, healthy diet. MDCH has also developed "Healthy Food, Healthy Soul," an African-American cookbook focusing on heart-healthy recipes. In cooperation with the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation, the department also has sponsored the development and distribution of a model physical education curriculum for Michigan schools encouraging lifelong physical activity.
In 1998 the department began partnering with the American Heart Association in Michigan on a media campaign to raise awareness and deliver health messages through television, radio and print. The AHA 1-800 number is promoted to provide educational information to consumers.
"This partnership has proven to be immensely successful," said (AHA). ""Phone calls from Michigan residents have accounted for more than 40 percent of all calls into the national call center." Callers receive individualized packets of heart health information.
More heart disease data is available on the MDCH web site at http://www.mdch.state.mi.us/PHA/OSR/deaths/Heartdx.asp. For information about programs in a specific area, call 1-800-537-5666. For information about how to reduce heart disease risk factors, call the American Heart Association at 1-800-AHA-USA1.