JOINING THE FIGHT AGAINST HEART DISEASE
Hello everyone and welcome to February – a month when many of our thoughts gravitate to hearts, valentines and love. It’s a month in which we focus on flowers, chocolates and romance.
It’s also a month, however, when we are asked to pay attention to not just the happiness of our hearts but to the health of our hearts as well, because February is National Heart Health Month.
In fact, 2021 marks the 56th consecutive year the AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION has strived to bring the issue of heart health to everyone, especially to women.
It’s this time of year that also brings our team from FLEISCHER STUDIOS and our beloved BETTY BOOP into the discussion to co-host this special message. Betty has always been a champion of justice, important causes and women’s rights. And, taking a stand against heart disease and protecting the health of women everywhere is a cause that is very near and dear to her heart.
You see, heart disease is the number one health risk for women. It’s more lethal than all women’s cancers put together, including breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Indeed, while 1 in 13 women will die of breast cancer, 1 in every 3 will die of cardiovascular disease. And more than ninety percent of women have at least one risk factor for developing heart disease.
Moreover, when it comes to this disease women are typically under-treated and under-served compared to their male counterparts. It’s not uncommon at all for women seeking help to be sent home from the hospital only to find out later that they actually suffered a heart attack.
Accordingly, it’s time for us to join forces with Betty Boop and the American Heart Association to raise our own awareness of heart disease. And we’ll begin by reviewing some facts.
5 MAJOR RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE IN WOMEN INCLUDE:
SMOKING
Tobacco use in all its forms, is linked to many diseases, including cardiovascular and heart disease.
FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE
Heredity plays an important role in the development of many diseases and heart disease is one of them.
OBESITY
For women, being overweight and having excess weight around the abdomen in particular increase the risk for heart disease.
DIABETES
This medical condition increases the risk for heart disease in both women and men, but more so in women.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & CHOLESTEROL
Both of these conditions can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
5 COMMON SYMPTOMS OF STROKE OR HEART ATTACK INCLUDE:
UNUSUAL FATIGUE & SHORTNESS OF BREATH
Many women having a heart attack will feel very tired or short of breath even if they have been sitting quietly and have not been physically active.
DIZZINESS OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS
These symptoms may occur at any time, even when sitting quietly or resting.
SWEATING
Not having anything to do with physical exertion, this symptom is characterized by a nervous, cold sweat that may appear to be stress-related.
PAIN
This includes pressure or pain in the chest, arms, neck, shoulders or upper back.
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT
Flu-like symptoms, stomach pain, heartburn and unexplained nausea or vomiting may be signs of a heart attack or stroke.
And finally, 5 WAYS WE CAN PROTECT OURSELVES INCLUDE:
AVOID SMOKING
If you smoke, it’s definitely time to cut back and stop. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE
Of course, enjoy a glass of wine or an evening cocktail. Just, don’t overdo it and remember the adage, “All things in moderation.”
WEIGHT LOSS
Set a reasonable goal. Losing 5 to 10 percent of our body weight will lower our blood pressure as well as cholesterol and sugar levels.
EAT WELL
Consuming more fruits, veggies and lean proteins and less red meat will go a long way in preventing heart disease.
EXERCISE
Moderate exercise will lower your risk for a heart attack by 30 to 50 percent. 15 to 30 minutes a day would be great! Start slow and build up.
5 RISKS. 5 SYMPTOMS. AND, 5 WAYS WE CAN PROTECT OURSELVES.
It’s not really that difficult, Ladies. As Betty and the American Heart Association remind us every year, a little common sense and a bit of basic medical know-how will go a long way in helping us reach our goals of improving our health and protecting our hearts.
In closing, I send a great big heart-felt THANK YOU to the American Heart Association for their tireless efforts to educate and inform all of us about heart disease in its many forms.
I thank Betty Boop and our entire team at Fleischer Studios for joining me once again in delivering this important message to women everywhere.
And, I thank all of You for being here with all of us as we focus our attention once again on NATIONAL HEART HEALTH MONTH.
Until next time everyone, stay safe, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
For more information please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/american_heart_month.htm
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