Hearts, Flowers, and Heart Month

Most heart patients share one thing in common — they didn’t realize they were about to become cardiac patients. That’s why awareness campaigns during American Heart Month can be so important.

The American Heart Association tells us the use of CPR dates all the way back to 1740, yet even today, most Americans don’t know how to perform it.

Cardiac arrests are more common than you think, and they can happen to anyone at any time.

Nearly 383,000 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests occur annually, and 88 percent of cardiac arrests occur at home.

Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.

BY KIM THOMAS

It’s not all flowers and candy. In February, we don’t just think of hearts for Valentine’s Day…we think of American Heart Month.

Cardiovascular disease — including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure — is the number one killer of American women and men.

Like our good frenemy the snowflake, no two episodes of cardiovascular events will be the same.

You may undergo *CABG (coronary artery bypass graft surgery), or be blessed with a new lease on life with a heart transplant, or need stents. Every case stands alone and much can be derived from listening to heart patients and their stories.

The life you save with CPR is mostly likely to be a loved one. Four out of five cardiac arrests happen at home. Statistically speaking, if called on to administer CPR in an emergency, the life you save is likely to be someone at home: a child, a spouse, a parent or a friend.

New Commissioner of Health

Lexington will soon have a new Commissioner of Health: Dr. Sheila Owens-Collins is Lexington’s new commissioner of health.

“I am excited to be part of a health department that is known for being leaders in public health,” Dr. Owens-Collins said. “It is an honor to have the Board of Health’s support in continuing the mission of helping Lexington be well.”

The Commissioner of Health position has been vacant since Dr. Joel McCullough’s resignation in July 2022, with Jessica Cobb serving as interim chief administrative officer.

“Dr. Owens-Collins will bring strong leadership as the next Commissioner of Health, which will benefit not only Lexington, but all of Kentucky,” said Dr. Rodney Jackson, chair of the Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health. “We are excited about the next steps for public health in central Kentucky.”

Lexington Health Calendar

FEB 7 Diabetes Awareness Education begins

You can learn how to manage pre-diabetes without leaving home. The Lexington Fayette Health Department is hosting a FREE online class for anyone in Kentucky who meets the following criteria:

• 18 years of age or older

• BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25 or greater

• Be at high-risk for developing Type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

Classes begin 6-7 p.m. on Feb. 7. The classes will be held weekly on Tuesdays for four months, bi-weekly for two months and then monthly for six months.

Info, contact Melissa Smith at 859-288-2473.

FEB 24 Central KY Heart Ball

Senior Calendar

FEB 2 Donovan Series resumes, Lexington Senior Center

The Donovan Forums this semester will be held at the Lexington Senior Center (limit of 80 in person attendees). Be sure to register in advance to reserve an in-person spot. You can also register to attend remotely via Zoom. You will receive a link prior to each forum. The Feb 2 forum is “Meet the new OLLI director.”

WED FEB 15 Continuity of Care Roundtable, Preston Greens

Join the Preston Greens Roundtable to discuss resources for seniors, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Seating is limited. RSVP to 859.309.1897.

MAR 3 National Caregiver Appreciation Day

National Caregiver Appreciation Day recognizes all unpaid caregivers that unselfishly support their family or friends’ healthcare needs. Preston Greens and Silver Lexington are joining forces to recognize the thoughtful unpaid Bluegrass area caregivers that are surviving, thriving and growing in spirit as they care for a loved one.

MAR 26 Lexington Senior Center’s South Carolina Spring Break

The Lexington Senior Center is organizing a trip to Charleston, SC as well as Savannah and Jekyll Island, GA for the week of March 26-April 1, 2023. Email mduncan@lexingtonky.gov for info.

Brain Power for Seniors

Carnegie Center’s Brain Power for Seniors class had an impromptu in-person meet-up at the Kentucky Native Cafe. Elise Mandel’s popular class has been going strong for five years, despite pivoting to online learning due to COVID-19. There is still plenty of room available to join for the winter or spring sessions. Winter sessions run Wednesdays, January through March 22, 11am-Noon, on Zoom. To sign up, please call the Lexington Senior Center at 859.278.6072 This class is offered in partnership with the Lexington Senior Center.

Thu Feb 2

at the Senior Center for “Lexington’s Future: 2045 Comprehensive Plan Overview.” LFUCG city planners will guide you through the goals and objectives of Lexington’s proposed comprehensive plan, as well as discuss the next steps for the Comprehensive Plan process. There will be snacks.

Sat Feb 11

Thu Feb 16

The next truckload citrus sale in the neighborhood is in the parking lot of Southland Christian Church 2349 Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY, at 3 pm on Feb 2. No pre-orders. No fights.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit perform at EKU Center for the Arts in Richmond.

Sat Feb 4

America’s Wildest Monster Truck Show is coming to Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park for two shows, 1 pm matinee and evening at 7 pm.

Join Mattilda Middleton and Christopher Burchett for an hour of fine French music on February 4 at 7 pm at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. This is the third installment in “A Year with Duruflé,” a series of events to study, perform, and listen to music by the twentieth-century composer Maurice Duruflé.

Tue Feb 7

Are you interested in learning about Lexington’s development and planning for the next 20 years AND you’re someone who also enjoys a light snack? Join the Coalition for a Livable Lexington’s free event on February 7, 5:30-7:00pm

Stroll down Midway’s Historic Main and Gratz Streets where each business will have a Chocolate Treat for you to enjoy as well as fantastic Valentine’s Day Week Specials at all stores & restaurants. Pick up your FREE Chocolate Stroll ticket at any of the Shops or Restaurants, and at Equus Run Vineyards. Have your ticket stamped inside at ten (10) business locations, enjoying Chocolate at each stop. Drop off your completed FREE Chocolate Stroll ticket at the Midway Makers Market for a free drawing.

Tue Feb 14

Who do you love for Valentine’s Day? Does that person love 80s rock bands? Well, don’t stop believin’. Take them to Journey’s Freedom Tour 2023 at Rupp with special guest Toto. (To answer your question: No. There’s no Steve Perry.)

Take a “For the Love of Ducks” stroll at Jacobson Park, hosted by Red Oaks Forest School. Be ready to caravan around to local ponds on the lookout for all kinds of waterfowl. Winter is a great time to see waterfowl in their beautiful breeding plumage before they head north to breed. 9 am to 11 am.

Sat Feb 18

Lexington Polar Plunge benefits the Special Olympics Kentucky, Saturday, February 18 at the Texas Roadhouse on Richmond Road. Raise at least $75.00 ($50.00 for junior plungers) and Jump In The Pool at the Texas Roadhouse. Individual, Teams and Schools. Prizes, register at LexingtonPlunge.com. All