Home Helpers Lends a 'Helping Hand' Heart Health Awareness Month

Feb. 4, 2013 - PRLog -- San Mateo, CA, February 4, 2013 – Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it is a major cause of disability. While it is the most costly and widespread of health problems, heart disease is also among the most preventable. During American Heart Month, Home Helpers of San Mateo County is creating awareness against fighting this disease by improving heart-healthy habits and raising awareness in local homes and communities.
As the nation’s leading senior care franchise specializing in non-medical and personal care and companionship for seniors, Home Helpers of San Mateo County, works with many families dealing with heart disease, who save lives and spare suffering. Every day, these dedicated individuals put themselves on the front lines in the fight against heart disease.

“The advice for becoming more "heart healthy" may sound familiar: Lose weight, quit smoking, watch your cholesterol and exercise regularly,” said Mitch Williams, owner of Home Helpers of San Mateo County. “Yet heart disease remains America's biggest killer, taking more lives than accidents and cancer combined. Home Helpers and our trained caregivers are dedicated to working with families each day to help prevent this deadly disease.”

Every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event; every minute, an American will die from one. One can reduce the chance of developing coronary heart disease by taking steps to prevent and control risk factors. Additionally, it is crucial to know the signs and symptoms of heart attack to increase one’s chance for a positive outcome.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, 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. Home Helpers offers signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
•   Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

•   Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

•   Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.

•   Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Williams adds that a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. “Many people make it harder than it is. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts.”

Home Helpers offers free in-home consultations and works with clients individually to tailor flexible care plans to meet their specific needs and budgets. Services offered include companionship, grocery shopping, meal preparation, assistance bathing, dressing and feeding, medication reminders, local transportation and light housekeeping.

For more information on Home Helpers of San Mateo County, please contact Mitch Williams at 650 868 2004 or visit www.HomeHelpers.CC.

ABOUT HOME HELPERS
Founded in 1997, Cincinnati-based Home Helpers is the nation’s leading senior care franchise specializing in non-medical and personal care and companionship for seniors, new mothers, those recovering from illness or injury and individuals facing lifelong challenges. Home Helpers currently has a presence in more than 500 communities across North America and is seeking qualified franchise candidates in strategic communities throughout the country. Home Helpers was recently ranked the #1 Senior Care Franchise and “Best of the Best” by Entrepreneur magazine for the fifth straight year and continues to lead the way in the senior care industry. Home Helpers is affiliated with Direct Link® Help At The Touch Of A Button, a national provider of medical alert units, including a 24-hour personal emergency response system and an automated medication dispenser that enable seniors to feel safer and live independently at home for longer than might otherwise be possible. Home Helpers does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of religion, race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age or sexual preference in connection with employment or acceptance, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities. For more information on Home Helpers and franchising opportunities, visit the company’s Web site at www.HomeHelpers.CC.