LIMA — Residents should actively monitor their heart health by understanding key medical numbers and maintaining an active lifestyle, according to Dr. Hemraj Makwana, a cardiologist with Lima Memorial Hospital. Dr. Makwana was the guest speaker at the Lima Rotary Club meeting on Monday, where he discussed the importance of the heart and strategies to prevent major heart conditions and medical emergencies.
Dr. Makwana shared his belief that individuals who experience a sudden heart attack often have preexisting conditions or symptoms that could have indicated a problem. He recalled an instance where a nurse was late to work because she was assisting a neighbor who had suffered a sudden heart attack. Dr. Makwana noted that this underscores the need for proactive health management rather than reacting to acute emergencies.
A critical piece of advice from Dr. Makwana was for people to familiarize themselves with their personal blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar readings. He observed that many individuals simply receive a general "good" or "bad" assessment from their doctor without knowing the specific numbers themselves. Dr. Makwana stressed the importance of knowing these figures and engaging in detailed discussions about them with a primary care physician. He provided a specific example regarding cholesterol levels, stating that for a healthy person, a "good cholesterol" level of 100 is considered appropriate. However, for an individual with diabetes, this ideal number shifts, with a target "good cholesterol" level of 70 being more suitable. Understanding these distinctions, he suggested, empowers individuals to take a more informed role in their cardiovascular health.
Beyond numerical awareness, Dr. Makwana strongly advocated for staying active and adopting a better diet. He drew a sharp parallel to highlight the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, stating, “Sitting is the new smoking.” He explained that a person who is not active, even if they do not smoke, could face similar health risks as a smoker. Dr. Makwana encouraged everyone to incorporate more movement into their daily routines. For those who face physical limitations, particularly issues with their knees, he offered alternative exercise recommendations, specifically mentioning swimming and using ellipticals as effective options for staying active without undue joint strain.
During the Monday meeting, Craig Kupferberg, the Rotary President, presented Dr. Makwana with a certificate of appreciation for his insights into heart health.
Earlier in the program, Dr. Nonso Azima, an internal medicine doctor also from Lima Memorial Hospital, addressed the Rotary Club. Dr. Azima spoke on the significance of vaccinations and underscored that the global effort to eradicate polio is still an ongoing and vital mission.