CAPE Community Health Services

02/27/2026

02/25/2026

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02/13/2026

Each year, about 700 women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related problems, and more than 50,000 women have life-threatening pregnancy complications. Heart and blood vessel conditions, such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiomyopathy, are leading causes. The good news is that most of these problems are preventable, meaning you can take steps before, during, and after pregnancy to help your heart health.

Pregnancy-related heart problems can happen to any woman, but your risk may be higher if you:

Are 40 or older
Are African American, American Indian, or Alaska Native
Are overweight or have obesity
Have heart problems
Get little physical activity
Use opioids or other illegal drugs
Drink alcohol
Smoke
Have existing heart disease, such as congenital heart disease or heart valve disease
Have an existing health condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, sleep apnea, anemia, or polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS)

02/05/2026

February is American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day is Friday February, 6, 2026

DYK: More than 4 in 10 women in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease or stroke — a figure that is only expected to grow. Each year, heart disease and stroke kill more women than all forms of cancer combined.

GO RED in support of women’s cardiovascular health by wearing red, sharing information and resources and donating to support research and education. Visit WearRedDay.org

02/03/2026

Have you had your annual mammogram screening?

A Mammogram is a noninvasive X-ray used to check breasts for breast cancer and other abnormalities. It is the only test shown to reduce breast cancer deaths. Mammograms can detect cancer early – when most treatable – long before it can be felt. This improves odds of survival and can help avoid more extensive treatment.

"Mammograms on The Go" makes it convenient for women who are unable to or don't have time to travel to the local breast center or clinic to get their annual screening. See information below for our upcoming event and call and schedule your appointment today.

02/02/2026

February is American Heart Month, a critical time to raise awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.. Key prevention strategies include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly (30 mins/day), quitting smoking, managing stress, and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol. "Life's Essential 8" guidelines, including quality sleep and healthy weight management, are crucial for long-term cardiovascular health.

Key Heart Health Awareness Actions

• Know Your Numbers: Regularly check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
• Get Active & Eat Smart: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week and adopt a heart-healthy diet
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Manage Stress & Sleep: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation and get enough quality sleep.
• Women's Heart Health: Heart disease is a leading cause of death for women, who may experience different symptoms, such as nausea or pain in the arm rather than just chest pain.
• Learn CPR: Hands-only CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival.

01/23/2026

Maternal Health Awareness Day (MHAD) is observed annually on January 23rd, a day dedicated to raising awareness about preventable maternal deaths, improving maternal health outcomes, ensuring access to quality care, and educating women, families, and healthcare providers on critical issues like mental health, cardiac conditions, and hemorrhage. It's a national effort to advocate for better support, especially given that over 80% of maternal deaths are preventable, with organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) leading campaigns to strengthen care before, during, and after pregnancy.

Key Goals & Focus Areas:
Preventing Deaths: Highlighting the unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and advocating for data-driven solutions.

Advancing Care: Promoting respectful, evidence-based, and patient-centered care for all expectant and new mothers.
Improving Access: Reducing disparities in access to prenatal and postpartum care.

Addressing Leading Causes: Focusing on key underlying causes like mental health conditions, cardiac issues, and hemorrhage.

How to Get Involved:
Educate yourself and others on maternal health.

Advocate for policies that improve maternal care access and quality.

Support local programs that offer comprehensive support for pregnant individuals and new parents.

01/16/2026

https://www.amritahospitals.org/faridabad/blog/cold-weather-and-cardiovascular-risks-what-you-should-know

Although winter brings moments of comfort and calm for most people, it also brings some health risks. When temperatures drop significantly, your body has to work harder to maintain its core warmth. This added strain increases the risk of heart-related or cardiovascular complications. Let us understa...

01/16/2026

6 TIPS FOR YOUR HEART IN COLD WEATHER

As temperatures outside begin to drop, you might be focused on cozy sweaters and warm drinks, but it’s also important to consider how cold weather can affect your heart. Frigid temperatures place an extra strain on your cardiovascular system, and for those with heart conditions, the winter months can pose additional risks.
Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and can make the heart work harder to circulate blood. This added strain may increase the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues, particularly in those with existing heart conditions. Winter conditions can also mean sudden, intense activities—like shoveling snow—which can be risky for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.

Here’s what you need to know to stay heart-healthy during the chilly season.
1. Dress Warmly and Layer Up
Keeping warm is essential to reducing strain on your heart. Layer up with warm clothing, including gloves, a hat and a scarf. Covering your mouth with a scarf can also help warm the air before it enters your lungs, making breathing easier and less taxing on your cardiovascular system. Tip: Choose moisture-wicking layers to help regulate body temperature and prevent sweating, which can make you colder when outside for extended periods.
2. Avoid Sudden, Strenuous Activities
Tasks like shoveling snow or carrying heavy objects can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which could be dangerous in cold weather. If you need to tackle these chores, go slowly and take frequent breaks. Consider asking for help or using a snow blower instead of shoveling by hand. Quick Tip: Warm up indoors with light stretching to ease your body into physical activity.
3. Stay Active Safely
While outdoor exercise in winter can be refreshing, be mindful of your limits and take precautions. Aim to keep your activity moderate and avoid overexertion. Indoor activities, such as walking on a treadmill or doing low-impact exercises, are good alternatives when temperatures dip too low. Pro Tip: If you’re walking outside, wear appropriate footwear to prevent slips and falls on icy surfaces, which could strain your heart if you attempt to catch yourself.
4. Manage Blood Pressure
Monitoring and managing blood pressure is especially important in winter. The cold causes your blood vessels to tighten, increasing your blood pressure. Keeping track of your blood pressure and taking your regular medications as prescribed can help you stay on top of your heart health. Reminder: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, particularly during colder months, to ensure your heart is staying healthy.
5. Limit Alcohol Intake
While a warm drink might feel comforting in cold weather, alcohol can actually make you feel colder by widening blood vessels near the skin’s surface. This causes your body to lose heat more quickly and may put additional strain on your heart. Instead, opt for hot, non-alcoholic beverages to keep warm without the added cardiovascular risks.
6. Know the Signs of Heart Distress
Be familiar with symptoms of heart issues, especially if you’re spending time outdoors in the cold. Signs like chest pain, dizziness, fatigue or shortness of breath should not be ignored. Cold weather can mask some of these symptoms, so stay alert and seek medical attention if needed.

01/07/2026

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month

Your genetics, behaviors and social and environmental factors can impact the risk for birth defects, and not all birth defects can be prevented. However, there are things you can do to increase your chance of having a healthy, full-term pregnancy and baby – and National Birth Defects Awareness Month is the perfect time to learn about them.

01/05/2026

To protect against flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19, practice good hygiene (handwashing, covering coughs), stay home when sick, wear masks around others, keep physical distance, improve ventilation, and stay up-to-date on vaccines (flu shot, COVID-19, potentially pneumonia vaccines), as these respiratory illnesses spread similarly and can lead to serious complications.
General Precautions for Everyone (Preventative)
• Vaccination: Get annual flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines/boosters, and discuss pneumonia vaccines with your doctor.
• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands often with soap & water or use hand sanitizer.
• Masking: Wear a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor public spaces, especially if you are at higher risk or respiratory virus levels are high.
• Ventilation: Improve air quality by opening windows or using air purifiers.
• Stay Home When Sick: Isolate yourself from others if you have symptoms.
Precautions When You Are Sick (To Protect Others)
• Stay Home: Avoid work, school, and public places.
• Mask Up: Wear a mask if you must be around others.
• Distance: Keep space between yourself and household members.
• Cough Etiquette: Cover coughs/sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
• Clean Surfaces: Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Test: Test for COVID-19 to know if isolation is needed.
If You Have Symptoms (Fever, Cough, Fatigue, etc.)
• Contact Your Provider: Seek medical advice, especially if you have underlying conditions, as these viruses can lead to pneumonia.
• Monitor Symptoms: Watch for worsening signs like difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or persistent fever.
By combining these preventative and isolation measures, you significantly lower your risk and protect vulnerable populations from these serious respiratory infections.

12/15/2025

The holiday season can be a stressful and overwhelming time of year for some people. This time of year can feel like and unwanted commitment filled with tension instead of joy and happiness

Maybe it’s worrying about finding the perfect gift for everyone, how you’re going to afford all of the presents, dealing with family members you don’t get along with or managing the changes in routine while trying to plan everything.

All of these demands may quickly lead to a decline in one’s mental health and may trigger harmful behaviors such as drug use, drinking alcohol to cope with stress, and sometimes an increase in mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the holidays, here are some tips to help manage your mental health and holiday stress levels.