SEATTLE — February is Heart Month and a great time to check in on your cardiovascular health. You can also support innovative programs and research at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, while adding to your Seahawks wardrobe.
Star wide receiver and Seahawks captain Tyler Lockett was diagnosed with a heart condition while at the NFL Combine in 2015.
“Luckily, I was able to continue to pursue my passions and dreams, and I’m still here now,” Lockett said.
Because of his experience, he is partnering with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and its Center for Cardiovascular Health. If you make a $30 donation to the Healthy Heart Fund, you will receive a limited-edition t-shirt inspired by Lockett.
Dr. Gopi Dandamudi is the executive medical director at the Center for Cardiovascular Health at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. He encourages people to know your numbers. Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly and monitor your weight. You can then evaluate the impact those numbers have on your heart health.
“If you give the same amount of attention you give to other things in your life, I think you’re already ahead of the game when it comes to your health,” Dr. Dandamudi said.
It’s also important to focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet and incorporating exercise into your routine.
“I think it just starts really in the mind because you have to be able to decide to get up and do those things,” Lockett said. “You have to be able to be the person that looks out for yourself when nobody else looks out for you.”
Funds raised from Lockett’s Healthy Heart Fund will support things like artificial intelligence to assess a patient’s risk and the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy program at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. This program serves patients with congenital heart problems and helps treat them and assess their ability to play sports safely.
You can visit seahawks.com/heart to learn more and get your limited-edition t-shirt. You can also visit your local Safeway from Feb. 10 to 14 to support Lockett’s Healthy Heart Fundraiser by donating at the register.
Sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.