Senior Moments

February is American Heart Month. The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have launched a new "Act in Time" campaign to increase people's awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms.

Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies -- every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1.

Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast!

Today heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in years past. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving lives.

But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear. So again, don't delay -- get help right away!

Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious disability. That's why it is so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.

For more information, visit www.americanheart.org.

On another note, there will be a Veterans Benefits and Health Care Seminar on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the First Baptist Church in Teague. This is an opportunity for Veterans and family members to learn more about your eligibility for Veterans benefits and medical services.

The event is being sponsored by the First Baptist Church and your local County Service Officers.

Menus Wednesday, Feb. 11 -- Chicken fried steak w white gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and mixed fruit Thursday, Feb. 12 -- Chicken and dumplings, mixed greens, copper pennies, bread and a brownie Friday, Feb. 13 -- Pork roast with gravy, creamed potatoes, broccoli, bread and Valentine's Day cake Monday, Feb. 16 -- Closed in observance of Presidents' Day Tuesday, Feb. 17 -- Crispy chicken sandwich, carrotraisin salad, chips and banana pudding