Every year around this time, emergency preparedness operations across the state encourage Floridians to prepare their homes and families for the hurricane season. But are we as careful about protecting our hearts as we are our homes? How do we take care of our physical and emotional wellbeing before, during and after a storm? The American Heart Association urges all citizens, especially those who have heart disease or other medical conditions, to use the following tips in order to make better choices when faced with a natural disaster.

 

Every household should stock up on healthy, non-perishable food items, but it’s especially important to include diet-specific foods for any family members who have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or any other health condition that requires special attention.

 

Stress is your body’s response to change. The body reacts to it by releasing adrenaline (a hormone) that causes your breathing and heart rate to speed up, and your blood pressure to rise. These reactions help you deal with the situation such as the threat of a hurricane or tropical storm. It is important to manage stress properly, especially during an emergency. Taking steps to manage stress will help you feel more in control of the situation.

 

Heart attacks can happen any time, especially during stressful situations. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort.

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.

• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

 

• Make sure there is a working phone in the house and cell phones are charged in case of an emergency.

• Keep a list of doctors’ phone numbers and hospitals just in case 9-1-1 is out of service during the storm.

• It is important to refill any heart medications prior to a hurricane or tropical storm. Make a checklist of all the medical supplies you will need.

• In the event of a storm, knowing hands-only CPR could save a life while waiting for help to arrive. Visit www.heart.org/handsonlycpr to watch a short video on how to save a life.