AMERICAN HEART HEALTH MONTH – WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP THEIR HEARTS HAPPY AND HEALTHY

 AMERICAN HEART HEALTH MONTH – WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP THEIR HEARTS HAPPY AND HEALTHY

Hi Everyone and Welcome to another #Wellness Wednesday!

It’s also February – which means it’s American Heart Health Month – the month in which the American Heart Association asks all of us to be more aware of our heart health and the ways in which we can protect ourselves from heart disease.

And, I’m SO HAPPY that our Dear BETTY BOOP has come over from Fleischer Studios today to join me in delivering this important message. Of course, I have to thank my husband, Mark Fleischer the President of Fleischer Studios, for making that possible 🙂 Because, Betty has ALWAYS been a champion of justice and goodness and important causes of all kinds. And, taking a stand against heart disease is one cause none of us can afford to ignore.

I know that we often discuss cancer and cancer-related issues when we meet. But, did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in this country for both men and women? It’s far more lethal than all the cancers put together. And, it has special significance for women because more women than men die of heart disease every year. So, Betty and I have put together some of the most common risk factors, symptoms and preventive measures of heart disease to share with women everywhere.

To begin, let’s start with a little general information about heart disease you may find surprising. First, as we have already stated, heart disease is not primarily a disease of men. In fact, about 90 percent of all women have at least one risk factor for the disease. For a woman, it is her number one health risk – more than breast, uterine or ovarian cancer. In fact, while 1 in 31 women die of breast cancer, 1 in every 3 die of cardiovascular disease.

Second, women and men are treated differently when it comes to the disease. Women are reportedly under-treated and under-served. They simply are not taken as seriously as men when reporting symptoms. Indeed, women are often sent home from the hospital only to find out later they have suffered a heart attack.  And if treated, they are less likely to be treated with the most aggressive or advanced treatments.

Third, heart disease does not affect women and men in the same way. Hormonal and biologic differences between the sexes affects the way this disease develops. For example, estrogen appears to protect women from heart disease and, as a result, post-menopausal women have the greatest risk for developing the disease. Although, women of all ages need to exercise heart-health awareness.

So, just what are the MAJOR RISK FACTORS for HEART DISEASE? Here are FIVE of the most important:

1. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & HIGH CHOLESTEROL: Both of these conditions can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. In addition, these risk factors do not discriminate between women and men. Members of both sexes with these conditions are at a higher risk for heart disease.
2. FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE: Once again, heredity in both sexes plays an important role in the development of this disease.
3. OBESITY: Being overweight can contribute to a variety of health issues. But, especially for women, excess weight around the abdomen will increase their risk for heart disease.
4. DIABETES: Again, this condition will increase the risk for heart disease in women more than in men.
5. SMOKING: I know I sound like a broken record, but tobacco use – especially smoking cigarettes – is one of the worst things we can do to our bodies. This habit implicates many diseases, including heart disease and cancer – and it applies equally to women and men.

Now, one of the most common results of heart disease is a HEART ATTACK. But, the MAJOR SYMPTOMS of an attack for women may be atypical and different from the ones that affect men. So, let’s take a look at SEVEN of the most common symptoms in women:

1. PAIN IN THE UPPER TORSO: Women may not experience the same crushing chest and left arm pain that men commonly experience when having a heart attack. Instead, women may have pressure in the chest or pain in either arm, the neck, shoulders or upper back.
2. ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT: This may be subtle like the symptoms of heartburn, or more severe like the stomach pain of a bad flu.
3. NAUSEA OR VOMITING: While this may be related to abdominal discomfort, it also may occur without warning.
4. SWEATING: If there’s no other reason for this because of heat, hot flashes or exercising, you could be having a heart attack. It is characterized by a nervous, cold sweat that appears to be stress related.
5. UNUSUAL FATIGUE: Many women having a heart attack will feel very tired even if they have not been active or have been sitting for a while. In fact, it’s common for women to experience symptoms of a heart attack more when they are resting.
6. SHORTNESS OF BREATH: Similar to fatigue, this may occur for no apparent reason.
7. DIZZINESS OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS: Again, this may occur even when sitting or resting.

And now, let’s list SIX MAJOR PREVENTIVE MEASURES we women can take to help avoid heart disease, heart attacks and strokes:

1. AVOID SMOKING: This is so important to our overall health and wellness. If you smoke, start cutting back now. Little by little. Take small steps. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
2. EXERCISE: If possible, find time to work a reasonable routine into your schedule 5 days a week. Thirty minutes a day would be great – or break the time up into 15 minute sessions. Even a short walk or two each day will make a big difference. Moderate physical activity will lower your risk of a heart attack by 30 to 50 percent.
3. WEIGHT LOSS: We don’t need to be thin to reduce our risk of heart attack or stroke. Thank goodness!! BUT, it’s important to set a reasonable weight loss goal for yourself IF you feel you are a bit overweight. By losing 5 to 10 percent of our body weight, cholesterol levels will improve and blood pressure and sugar levels will decrease.
4. EAT WELL: As with most illness and disease, eating right by consuming more fruits, veggies and lean proteins AND less red meat you will go a long way in preventing heart disease.
5. LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE: By all means, enjoy a glass of wine or an evening cocktail. Just, don’t overdo it. Moderation is the key here.
6. CHOCOLATE: Yes. That’s right. Chocolate! Forget the apple. A bite or two of chocolate a day may keep the doctor away — as well as heart disease. Just  make sure it’s dark chocolate. And, if you limit your intake this is a great way to help reduce the inflammation that’s associated with cardiovascular disease.

And, there we have it. Very important information for women everywhere. Remember that heart disease can present differently in women than in men. Remember the ways in which you can help prevent heart disease. And, remember that if you should ever experience any of the above symptoms you must get them checked out. Never let anyone ignore you or disregard you. Always stand up for yourself and your health. Because, no one knows your body better than you!

Well, I can’t thank Betty enough for her help in bringing this message to you — and for bringing more awareness of American Heart Health Month to us all. And don’t forget to SPREAD THE RED by joining Betty in wearing red all month long! It’s a great way to make an important statement. Of course, a great big thank you to hubby Mark Fleischer for giving Betty time out from the Studio. And most of all, thanks to YOU – for being here once again!

Take care everyone. Until next time stay in GOOD HEALTH and,

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!