With Michigan’s game seasons approaching, consider that hunters have been known to die unexpectedly from heart attacks brought on by the strenuous exercise and bursts of activity related to the sport.
U-M doctors, nurses and nutritionists will offer free health screenings and information from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 23 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 24 at Cabela’s Outfitters in Dundee at the Heart of the Hunter Health Fair sponsored by the Cardiovascular Center. The event will include activities for kids and raffles of U-M and Cabela’s prizes.
Hunters also can learn what to do if a fellow hunter needs medical assistance.
To begin preparing now for the season, hunters can: get a medical checkup with attention to the heart for those with past heart problems; start a daily walking routine or other exercise plan in the weeks before hitting the woods; and learn CPR and first aid.
Visitors to the U-M tents in front of the store will be able to get their cardiovascular risk, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels checked free. They also can learn from experts about their cardiovascular health risks and what they can do now to prevent problems. Appointments to the Cardiovascular Center will be available.
“Too many hunters die or are left seriously incapacitated by heart-related illnesses that first strike during the hunt,” says Dr. Eric Good, a cardiologist at the Cardiovascular Center. “Every hunter should treat the hunting season as if they were training for a major sporting event like a run or a tournament, because when they hit their target, or drag their trophy back to camp, the excitement and physical exertion can be intense.”
For more information on the Cardiovascular Center go to www.umcvc.org or call (888) 287-1082.
