News from the Wyoming Department of Health

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Contact: Kim Deti

Phone: 307-777-6420

 

Wyoming Prevention Plan for Heart Disease and Stroke Available

 

The first state plan intended to tackle the burdens of heart disease and stroke in Wyoming is now available from the Wyoming Department of Health.

 

“Here in Wyoming cardiovascular disease carries a heavy cost,” said Dr. Brent Sherard, Wyoming Department of Health director and state health officer.  “Heart disease is the number one killer of our state’s residents. Strokes are the leading cause of disability, and the most expensive disability.”  

 

The Wyoming State Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Plan 2008-2010 includes goals and action plans to promote a healthy lifestyle. The plan is a collaborative project between the Wyoming Cardiovascular Disease Coalition and the Wyoming Department of Health’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program. 

 

Dave Ivester, heart disease and stroke prevention program manager for the Wyoming Department of Health, said “Cardiovascular disease is one of the few diseases that can largely be prevented or controlled. This plan can serve as a compass, or business plan, to direct our efforts as we work with our partners to address the burdens of cardiovascular disease in Wyoming.”

 

Goals included in the state plan are:

 

            1.  Increase the number of Wyoming citizens who choose to live a healthier lifestyle.

            2. Provide resources for professionals and citizens regarding prevention services related to cardiovascular disease.

            3. Collaborate with tobacco prevention programs to reduce the burden of smoking-related conditions in cardiovascular disease.

            4. Improve quality of care provided to patients with cardiovascular disease or stroke-related disorders by advocating the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines.

            5. Enhance pre-hospital care for stroke patients.

            6. Identify strategies that enhance the quality of life for people affected by cardiovascular disease.

            7. Focus on ways to reduce disparities and other issues, and improve access to healthcare related to the disparities of people affected by heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease.

            8. Enhance the capacity of the Wyoming Cardiovascular Disease Coalition and other concerned individuals and organizations that advocate for priority heart disease and stroke-related issues.

 

To review the details of the state plan, visit the Wyoming Department of Health’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program web page at www.health.wyo.gov/phsd/heartdisease/index.html. The link to the plan is on the left hand side of the page.