St. Mark’s Wound Care Celebrates Heart Month

The staff at St. Mark’s Wound Center are celebrating American Heart Month by educating their community about good cardiovascular care and tips to keep hearts healthy yearround.

Every day, more than half a million Americans are diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases like peripheral artery disease, a condition that compromises leg circulation and results in nonhealing wounds. A healthy heart helps keep oxygen and nutrient-rich blood flowing through the body, a vital component of wound healing.

“Any disease that disrupts blood circulation affects how long it will take for a wound to heal,” said Jennifer Scott, RN program director. “Poor heart health means poor wound healing rates.” St. Mark’s Wound Center suggests that patients do the following to be heart healthy:

• exercise at least 30 minutes a day

• if a smoker, quit

• eat a healthy amount of fruits and veggies instead of processed foods like potato chips

• get adequate sleep

• engage in activities to relieve stress, such as meditation

St. Mark’s Wound Center at St. Mark’s Medical Center provides a comprehensive approach to treating patients with nonhealing wounds. The team features clinicians with advanced training in wound care.

St. Mark’s Wound Center at St. Mark’s Medical Center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about wound care or to schedule an appointment, call (979) 242-2104. No referral is required.