When we think of heart disease and cardiovascular issues, we often think of adults later in age. However, approximately 40,000 children are born with a heart defect each year. And, at least eight of every 1,000 infants born each year have a heart defect. Thank goodness for organizations like the American Heart Association and volunteers across America who get involved not only to raise funds for research but also raise awareness of heart disease. Next month the Stark and Wayne County Healthy For Good Heart Walks will take place, with the Wayne County Walk, Saturday, September 16 at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster. The Stark County Walk will be held Saturday, September 30 at Kent State University-Stark. This walk is the Association’s premier event for raising funds to save lives from this country’s Number 1 and Number 5 killers – heart disease and stroke. 

Jack Ford, senior vice president of Beaver Excavating and chair of the American Heart Association’s Stark and Wayne County Healthy For Good Heart Walks and Dr. Brandon Smith, pediatric cardiologist at Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center join us today.  

Brad White, R. Ph. and Paul White, R. Ph. are joined by Jack Ford, senior vice president of Beaver Excavating and Brad's son Reagan in the WHBC studio.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death of both men and women in the United States. This includes heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease is often associated with men, but it is a major health risk for women as well. Statistics indicate every minute, approximately one woman dies from heart disease. Unfortunately, only one in five American women believes heart disease is her greatest health risk.  

It’s not all gloom and doom – there is some good news. Risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by diet and exercise, so it is important to know the risk factors. The statistics may be daunting, but cardiovascular disease can be treated. During today's program, Dr. Rizwan Sardar, cardiologist at Aultman Hospital joins Brad White, R Ph. and Paul White, R. Ph. to talk about treatment options for cardiovascular disease.

General dentists are the primary providers for dental care in patients of all ages. From children to seniors, dentists treat the entire family for overall health care which is crucial to mouth and general health. So, when it comes to baby teeth, sealants, root canals and beyond, regular dental care can not only treat problems but also prevent many issues – from cavities to gum disease.

Dr. Brian Amison from the Amison Dental Group joins us to talk about all things dental including root canals, oral cancer, preventive visits and his upcoming event Dentistry From the Heart.

In August of 2015 Community Services of Stark County merged with Quest Recovery Services to create CommQuest.  Together they provide a broad range of services to the residents of Stark County to provide a continuum of care for behavioral health issues in our county.  This includes addiction and recovery services. Ohio’s opiate epidemic is a crisis of unparalleled proportions with devastating, often deadly, consequences. Opiates include both heroin and prescription pain reliever medications. Today our guests discuss the epidemic and the CommQuest Addiction and Recovery Symposium on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 in downtown Canton. 

CommQuest's President and CEO Keith Rochadel and Fund & Business Development Coordinator Sara Stone discuss the opiate and heroin epidemic 

Heat-related disease and illness affects people of all ages. From toddlers to teens and seniors, summer temperatures are a major factor in health issues. This week Mark Adams, environmental health director for the City of Canton, is our guest on the Health Matters program. Mark discusses the importance of hydration in people with chronic illnesses as well as mosquito-born diseases and how to safely remove ticks. The Medicine Center Pharmacy focuses on patient health, and whether you’re spending the weekend camping, swimming, fishing or gardening, we want our listeners to stay healthy this summer.