American Heart Association recognizes Dr. Gerry Phillips as their 2008 Heart Hall of Fame Honoree at their 10th annual Gala, Thursday April 17th. |
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3/28/2008
American Heart Association Announces Its
2008 Mobile Heart Hall of Fame Honoree
Dr. Gerry Phillips to be recognized for 20 years of devotion to making Mobile a healthier place
Mobile, AL – Dr. Gerry Phillips, local cardiologist and founder of Cardiology Associates, will be honored as the American Heart Association’s 2008 Mobile Heart Hall of Fame Honoree at the organization’s Heart Gala, to be held on Thursday, April 17 at the Renaissance Riverview Hotel. Dr. Phillips has been a champion for the American Heart Association for many years and a pioneer in the field of cardiology.
“Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in the U.S. and the state of Alabama has one of the highest incidences overall. The American Heart Association does such important work in addressing cardiovascular disease and its continued research. It is very rewarding to be recognized by such a great organization,” comments Dr. Phillips.
Dr. Phillips has been active with the American Heart Association since 1983, when he attended a meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Dallas. He has since been involved locally as a member of the community board, a spokesperson and community supporter and advocate of its many fundraising events.
As a medical resident, Dr. Phillips saw the importance and growing need for the specialty of cardiology and following a cardiac rotation he knew this was where he wanted to focus his medical practice. Since then, he has built one of the most successful practices in the city, bringing the latest in cardiology specialties and technology to the area, and has quite a few pieces of advice for Mobile residents about avoiding the nation’s No. 1 killer, heart disease.
“If you have any risk factors for heart disease, you need to get checked out by your doctor,” says Dr. Phillips. “People have a misconception that heart disease happens only to older people. I’m seeing it affect people at increasingly younger ages. It’s largely preventable, but people must take steps toward a heart healthy life now.”
Dr. Phillips’ nominator, Bill Mason, President and CEO of Springhill Hospital, says “Dr. Phillips is an outstanding individual, and a pioneering cardiologist, both in Mobile and nationwide.”
For more information about the American Heart Association’s Heart Gala, please call (251) 461-4004.
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Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But 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. Here are 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 with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Heart Disease Risk Factors include:
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Tobacco smoke
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity or overweight
• Diabetes
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