Minnesota’s Action Plan to Address Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke and Diabetes 2035 (MN 2035 Plan) is a calling to all to acknowledge and specifically address diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, especially within those communities facing the highest rates of those diseases. Its three overall goals are:
▪ Elimination of racial, geographic, and other health inequities that lead to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes for certain populations in Minnesota.
▪ Removal of barriers to good health and well-being.
▪ Increased access to affordable and culturally appropriate prevention strategies, clinical services and self-management options for those who have, or are at risk of experiencing, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Learn more on the MN 2035 Plan website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/2035plan.
Steele County Public Health will be presenting a 3-part series over the coming months, in our newsletter, to discuss the MN 2035 Plan, and how our Home Care department is working to create awareness and driving change towards the prevention and management of these chronic diseases within our community!
A Focus on Cardiovascular Disease
This month, we are discussing cardiovascular disease in relation to the MN 2035 Plan. To appreciate the importance of addressing this issue, it is important to understand the impact of this disease among individuals, Minnesotans, racial and ethnic groups, and communities.
In 2021, over 165,000 adults in Minnesota reported having a heart attack in their lifetime. Almost 17% of all deaths in Minnesota are due to cardiovascular disease, making it the 2nd leading cause of death in Minnesota, after cancer. In 2020, there were more than 43,000 acute cardiovascular disease-related hospitalizations. Minnesota spends an estimated $1.83 billion annually on direct medical expenses related to cardiovascular disease.
There are also many indirect costs and impacts. Cardiovascular disease negatively impacts quality of life for many individuals, and furthermore, creates financial and emotional stress for individuals and families. Additionally, one should consider the impact to a local community and the state due to premature deaths and loss of productivity. Efforts to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease are extremely important for improving the health of individuals and communities, as well as reducing impacts and costs to everyone.
After generally discussing the prevalence and impacts of cardiovascular disease, it is important to understand it does not affect everyone equally. There are many disparities among populations of people and within Minnesota:
- Cardiovascular disease death rates were 50% higher among American Indian individuals compared to the overall population.
- Middle-aged American Indian adults (ages 35-64) die from heart disease at more than 3 times the rate of all Minnesotans of the same age.
- African American and African-Born adults, aged 35-64, had approximately twice the cardiovascular disease death rate of all Minnesotans of the same age.
- Cardiovascular disease rates for Asian/Pacific Islander and Latinx/Hispanic individuals are 41% and 45% lower, respectively, than the overall population.
Addressing these disparities is essential for promoting equitable health outcomes and reducing the impact of cardiovascular disease in Minnesota.
Sources: Heart Disease in Minnesota - MN Dept. of Health and Take Health to Heart.
The MN 2035 Plan outlines ten priority outcomes, each accompanied by specific strategies. Steele County Public Health’s Home Care Department will be using these strategies to improve the health and outcomes of clients we serve and potential clients we hope to serve in the future. SCPH Home Care will be using the MN 2035 Plan as a guide for implementing quality improvement programming and projects this year, and in coming years.
Our Home Care team currently works with many community partners; however, we plan to use the MN 2035 plan to guide some of our discussions and use this information to create new partnerships and working groups within our community. We hope to improve outcomes for individuals and improve access and equity for all. We accept clients for care of all social circumstances and regardless of pay source. Care can be provided at home or within our Public Health clinic. We also refer individuals to additional resources when needed. On a larger scale, our Public Health Director is working together with a group of community partners, the Racial Division Action Team, that specifically addresses and works to improve health equity for all.
Considering these ideas, how can Home Care make a difference and affect outcomes for individuals? Home Care is not a "one-size-fits-all" service. Home Care can play an important role in meeting individualized needs of client. Listed below are examples:
- Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment Plan:
- Home Care nurses assess the patient’s condition, including symptoms, vital signs, and medication management.
- They create personalized treatment plans based on physician orders to achieve optimal outcomes for cardiac rehab at home.
-
Monitoring and Early Intervention:
- Home Care team members monitor signs and symptoms of disease exacerbations.
- They promptly report any changes to the physician and obtain necessary orders.
- Medication effectiveness and side effects are closely monitored.
-
Disease-Specific Education:
- Nurses and therapists educate patients and their families about cardiovascular disease, lifestyle modifications, and self-management.
- They provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
- Education empowers patients to better manage their condition.
-
Mobility and Endurance Support:
- The Home Care team assists patients in achieving optimal mobility and endurance.
- They encourage physical activity within safe limits to improve heart health.
-
Reducing Hospital Readmissions:
- Home Care helps prevent unnecessary hospital re-admissions.
- Home Care providers of all disciplines provide tips and tricks for managing symptoms, enhancing quality of life, and promoting self-care.
- Culturally and Ethnically Appropriate Care:
- Consistent training to identify, develop, and deliver culturally competent service.
- Integrating cultural and ethnical beliefs, diets, alternative treatment regimens, or traditional remedies into a personalized treatment plan.
- Tailoring care and communication to each individual’s cultural needs.
|
