In 2021, the American Heart Association started its Heart Healthy Hunting campaign in West Virginia. The campaign runs each November. Its aim is to prevent deaths from heart attack and stroke among hunters. The Heart Association lists the county health department and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) as partners.
According to the DNR, one in four calls it gets during hunting season each year is about a heart or blood vessel emergency.
Steps for hunters
- See a doctor for a checkup before the season.
- Start to get in shape before the season. Build a daily exercise routine.
- Know your limits.
- Make a daily plan. Tell someone where you will be, when you will leave and when you plan to return.
- Turn on location services on your phone, and know the route to the nearest medical center.
Know the warning signs
In 2022, WV MetroNews listed these signs of a heart attack: chest tightness or pain, trouble breathing, discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach, nausea, and light-headedness. For stroke, the campaign used F.A.S.T.: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911.
See also Million Hearts and My Life Check and Life’s Simple 7.
This information is from 2021 and 2022. It is kept here as a record and is not current advice. Check current guidance from the American Heart Association or your doctor.