Over 2 Million Americans May Have Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation More than a decade ago, afib was a littleknown condition. After creating Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, patient advocacy organization StopAfib. org worked with medical society partners to get the U.S. Senate to designate September as National Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Awareness Month, which they did, in 2009. “That’s why now is the perfect time to remind people what afib is and how to recognize it in themselves or others, so they can get treatment (or ensure their loved ones do) before they develop a stroke, heart failure, or dementia,” said StopAfib.org founder Mellanie True Hills. Afib is the most common irregular heartbeat. Having afib increases a person’s stroke risk by 500%. According to the Framingham Heart Study, after the age of 55, there is a 1-in-3 lifetime risk of developing afib. It affects over 6 million people in the U.S., a number that will increase as the baby boomers age. Most people with afib experience palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, and sometimes a racing heartbeat. Some report that their heart feels like a fish that is flopping around in their chest. “Still, about one-third (over 2 million people in the U.S.) may be walking time bombs … they don’t feel any symptoms at all but are at risk for an afibrelated stroke,” True Hills said. “And because COVID-19 causes heart damage for many, including arrhythmias (heartbeat issues), we will likely see an increased number of people living with afib. That’s why it’s more important than ever that people know
what it is and how to recognize it.” After having a procedure that made her afibfree, True Hills founded StopAfib.org to help others living with afib and to prevent afib-related strokes. Because afib can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll on patients and their family members, StopAfib.org has curated a collection of news stories, webinars, and masterclasses to help increase knowledge about afib, so those living with it can improve their quality of life. To learn more about the risk factors for afib, how to identify it, and/or how to manage it for those who already have it, visit StopAfib.org. In honor of National Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Awareness Month, StopAfib.org recommends taking these steps: 1. Stop and listen to your heart for racing, palpitations, or an irregular heartbeat. 2. Visit the doctor if you suspect you might have afib. 3. Get checked for underlying risk factors, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. 4. If diagnosed, make a plan with your doctor for managing your afib so you avoid a stroke, heart failure, and even dementia. Just as importantly, tell friends and family members about afib to help increase awareness, and visit stopafib.org for more information.
Only Living WWII MOH Recipient to Speak at Meeting The Central Pennsylvania World War II Roundtable will welcome the only living World War II Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel “Woody” Williams, to its monthly Zoom meeting, Thursday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. Williams received the U.S. military’s highest decoration for valor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Williams receiving the Medal of Honor The West Virginia native, from President Truman in 1945. who will turn 98 in October, received training as a demolition man with a focus on the use of flamethrowers. He eventually joined Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division at Guadalcanal. In July and August 1944, he was attached to Headquarters Company and saw combat during the Battle of Guam. www.50plusLifePA.com
Back with Company C, Williams earned his Medal of Honor in February 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Covered by only four riflemen, all of whom became casualties, Williams engaged the enemy for four hours under heavy fire, singlehandedly destroying several Japanese reinforced-concrete pillboxes with his flamethrower. His actions allowed American tanks to open a lane for infantry. Williams continued to fight during the five-week Williams today. battle, despite being wounded in the leg by shrapnel. He was presented the Medal of Honor by President Truman on Oct. 5, 1945, at the White House. The Sept. 2 Zoom meeting is open to the public, and no registration is required. To attend, look for the information and Zoom password located on the organization’s website: centralpaww2roundtable.org.
50plus LIFE
September 2021
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