When it comes to heart health, Kentucky has much room for improvement. It ranks seventh in adult obesity and third in childhood obesity—both contributing to Kentucky’s fifth ranking in cardiovascular death. In fact, heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death in Kentucky.

Statistics like these are troubling, but they can be reversed. By taking charge of their own heart health, Kentuckians can lead healthier, more active lives.

Western Baptist Hospital is here to help. We offer advanced cardiac care, including nationally-certified chest pain treatment, as well as a 24-hour chest pain and stroke hotline (1-800-575-1911), educational classes, free health screenings and seminars. Learn more at westernbaptist.com. 

How does personal responsibility influence health?

But you have to make some tough choices. The key to fighting heart disease and stroke, as well as other diseases, lies in personal responsibility. Take charge of your health by exercising, eating healthy, taking prescribed medications and seeing your doctor regularly.

A healthy community is everyone’s responsibility

Better health starts with a single person, but it can be contagious! Get involved. Educate yourself on health conditions. Take quick action when your heart tells you something is wrong. Commit to lead a healthy lifestyle.

When you care enough to care for yourself, your family and neighbors take notice. Set an example for your family—and community—by making healthy choices.

Speak up! Your feedback on heart disease and stroke is needed

Western Baptist Hospital encourages you to attend a free public forum on heart disease and stroke Tuesday, March 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carson Center. Educate yourself on heart disease and get familiar with resources to help you fight it. Share your ideas on how to develop a statewide action plan to address heart disease and stroke and their consequences.

This is the first of five statewide forums. Together, the community’s voice can influence the state legislature to secure better prevention and treatment of the state’s deadliest health problems. Patients, caregivers, emergency medical technicians, health professionals and interested citizens are encouraged to attend.

For more information about the heart disease forum, contact Bobbye Gray at bobbyea.gray@ky.gov or (270) 247-1490 or Mary Legge, director of the Neuro-Surgical unit at Western Baptist Hospital, at mary.legge@bhsi.com or (270) 575-2880.