What is the number one cause of death throughout the world?

For more than two decades, the leading killer in the world has been heart disease.

Because of that, the month of February has been renamed American Heart Month.

“February is a time that allows us to bring awareness to heart health, as people do not always understand the seriousness of it,” said Dr. Stacy Goddard, assistant professor of kinesiology at Missouri State.

“Our hope is this month helps people understand some of the symptoms of heart disease and some preventative measures they can take.”

Being proactive

Since it is such a common issue, Goddard stresses how important it is for people to understand heart health.

This education is vital to prevent heart disease, cardiac arrest and other heart-related health problems.

“Heart disease can affect anyone and everyone,” said Goddard.

“It is important for everyone, no matter their age or gender, to be aware of the basic symptoms that can occur with heart disease.”

The basic symptoms include:

• • Chest pain.
  • Pain radiating down the left arm.
  • Shortness of breath during normal activities.
  • Nausea.
  • Sweating.

Ways to stay ahead

Though it is hard to determine who is at risk for heart disease, there are many ways to help prevent it.

Some ways to decrease the risk of heart disease include:

• • Healthy diet.
  • Limiting stress.
  • Excersizing
  • Not smoking/vaping.

Goddard hopes that by recognizing American Heart Month throughout February, our world can start to combat this issue.

“Our goal is to not let heart disease continue to be the number one killer in the world,” Goddard said. “By continuing to highlight this issue and educate this issue I think we are on our way there.”

Learn more about the kinesiology department

The start of the new year presents a fresh start for many people. For some, that means setting wellness goals for a healthier future.

The key to a successful start, according to Evonne Bird, is setting realistic, achievable goals. Bird is a certified exercise physiologist and national board-certified health and wellness coach in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services at Missouri State University.

Bird highlights ways to jumpstart these wellness goals and gives recommendations on finding a personal trainer or wellness coach.

How to jumpstart your wellness goals for the new year

Read the full transcript here.

Access to health care is important for everyone. The MSU Care Clinic  recently adjusted their guidelines to provide health care to more people in our community.

“Last week, we approved an increase for income guidelines. This allows us to extend health care to those 200% above the federal poverty line, or lower,” said Brock Hughes, practice manager at the MSU Care Clinic.

This would mean that a family of five with a monthly income of $5,412 would be eligible for care. Often, families with this amount of income are not able to get medical help.

Before, the clinic was only able to serve those who were 150% above the poverty line. The clinic hopes the new guidelines will allow them to reach more people in the community who need help.

“Our mission is to meet the health care needs of medically underserved adults in our community,” said Dr. Letitia White-Minnis, associate dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services at Missouri State University.

“I’m excited about the changes to the financial eligibility guidelines because they will enable us to help more people and show off this hidden gem we offer to the southwest Missouri community.”

How the clinic operates

In the late 1980s, a group called The Kitchen Inc. started an outpatient clinic to support those in Springfield who could not afford health care.

In 2015, Missouri State and Mercy Hospital partnered and re-established the clinic, renaming it the MSU Care Clinic.

“Our clinic is largely supported by students in the and programs,” Hughes said. “All students work with a medical professional to help provide direct care for patients.”

This clinic allows students to work with a very specific population and gives them real life experience while they are still taking classes.

Services offered

The clinic offers free primary care services and a pharmacy free of charge for all patients.

“We partnered with UMKC’s School of Pharmacy to offer medications at the clinic,” Hughes said. “Through programs with Mercy, we’re able to offer free medications for our patients.”

Clinic services include:

• Physical examinations.
• Blood tests.
• Pharmacy services.
• X-rays.
• Mental health education.
• Referrals to community resources.

If you think you may benefit from MSU Care Clinic services, contact the clinic at 417-837-2270 or at msucare.missouristate.edu.

Learn more about MSU Care Clinic