b'1.3 Heart Disease Mortality Coronary Heart Disease as Cause of DeathDecrease the proportion of adults who experience heart disease250 Why is this important?Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, year after year. Yet it is vastly preventable specifically through lifestyle200 interventions such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in physical activity, andeating a diet of mainly fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and low-fat dairy. These actions Per 100,000 Personsare known to be effective in reducing the risks associated with heart disease mortality.3150 With the aging of the baby boomer generation, communities need to accept the challenge that fewer deaths should reflect not only better medicines and recovery rates but higher 100 quality prevention on an individual and community level.4Where we stand now: Heart disease mortality has declined steadily in Cheshire County, 50 however there is room for improvement when compared to all of New Hampshire.0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Cheshire Countys goal: There will be fewer than 126 deaths per 100,000 personsCheshire CountyNew HampshireUnited StatesTarget from heart disease.51.4 Stroke MortalityReduce the proportion of adults who experience strokeStroke as Cause of DeathWhy is this important?Death rates attributable to stroke have spent a decade in 80 decline, leaving stroke well behind heart disease and cancer as major causes of death.70 Yet the diagnosis for stroke sufferers is often discouraging; stroke remains the numberone cause of long-term disability. Certain conditions and behaviors predispose a person to 60 risk of stroke. Studies show that high blood pressure is the number one risk factor, and that Per 100,000 Persons50 lack of vigorous exercise, depression, and smoking contribute to high risk status. As with heart disease, the stroke risk associated with high blood pressure is preventable through40 a combination of a nutritious diet and aerobic exercise.630 Where we stand now:Cheshire County has a lower rate of deaths from stroke compared 20to the rest of the nation and this figure has declined significantly over time.10 Cheshire Countys goal: There will be fewer than 24 deaths per 100,000 persons 0 from stroke.71999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Cheshire CountyNew HampshireUnited StatesTargetEngaging Our Community In Health2588222_CMC2.indd 27 2/1/10 12:26 PM'