AMERICAN HEART HEALTH MONTH – WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW

ON THE ROAD TO A HEALTHY HEART WITH BETTY BOOP

Hi Everyone and Welcome!

February is winding down, and with it so is AMERICAN HEART HEALTH MONTH. With special thanks to the AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, we’ve shared a lot of information in the last few weeks about our Hearts and how to keep them Happy.

After all, Heart Disease is the number one health threat facing both women and men today. Yet, today’s Blog is for WOMEN ONLY.

And, as in years past, my good friend BETTY BOOP joins me today from FLEISCHER STUDIOS to bring our important message to you.

Betty has always been a champion of justice, goodness and important causes of all kinds. And, taking a stand against heart disease is one of Betty’s favorite causes and one no woman can ignore.

You see, heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is far more lethal than all the cancers put together. And, it has special significance for women because more women die of heart disease every year than their male counterparts.

To put this threat in perspective, one in thirty-one women will die of breast cancer while one in every three women will die of cardiovascular disease.

Compounding this fact is the way in which women are treated differently from men when it comes to this disease.

Women are reportedly under-treated and under-served. They simply are not taken as seriously as men when reporting their 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.

Now, due to the hormonal and biological differences between women and men, the disease does not present in the same way with each sex.

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.

As women, it’s important to know the MAJOR RISK FACTORS for heart disease which include:

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & HIGH CHOLESTEROL

FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE

OBESITY

DIABETES

SMOKING

And, approximately ninety-percent of all women share at least one of these risk factors for heart disease.

Of course, as is also true for men, the most common result of heart disease is a HEART ATTACK.

Yet, the MAJOR SYMPTOMS of an attack for women may be atypical and different from the ones that affect men.

This is very important, so let’s spend a little time discussing 7 OF THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS FOR HEART ATTACK IN WOMEN:

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.

NAUSEA OR VOMITING: While this may be related to abdominal discomfort, it also may occur without warning. Never give up and never give in. Never let anyone ignore you or disregard you.

ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT: This may be subtle like the symptoms of heartburn, or more severe like the stomach pain of a bad flu.

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.

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.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH: Similar to fatigue, this may occur for no apparent reason.

DIZZINESS OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS: Again, this may occur even when sitting or resting.

So, please pay attention to the health of your hearts ladies.

Try to eat right, exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use.

Make sure you know your family medical history and how it may increase your risk for heart disease.

And, most of all, if you experience ANY of the above symptoms seek medical attention immediately AND don’t let anyone tell you it’s probably nothing!

 SO, LET’S ALL BE MORE LIKE BETTY.

BE YOUR OWN CHAMPION OF HEALTH!

Never give up and never give in. Never let anyone ignore you or disregard you. Always stand up for yourself and your health. Always ask questions until you get the right answers. And, always remember that no one knows your body better than you!

I can’t thank Betty enough for joining me in bringing you this important information. And, of course, many thanks to hubby Mark Fleischer and Fleischer Studios for giving Betty time out from the Studio!

WE ONLY HAVE ONE HEART. Let’s give it all the attention and love that it so richly deserves.

Thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!