BETTY BOOP — HEROINE OF HEARTS FOR AMERICAN HEART HEALTH MONTH

KEEPING WOMEN’S HEARTS HAPPY AND HEALTHY

Hello everyone and welcome to another #FACTUAL FRIDAY. And, I’m happy to say we have a SPECIAL EDITION today for two reasons.

First, February is AMERICAN HEART HEALTH MONTH and this Blog will be devoted to WOMEN everywhere because HEART DISEASE is the leading cause of death for women in this country.

And second, our Beloved BETTY BOOP is on “loan” today from FLEISCHER STUDIOS so she can “co-host” the important message we’ll be sharing today. For that, of course, I have to thank the PRESIDENT OF FLEISCHER STUDIOS, my husband MARK FLEISCHER.

BETTY has ALWAYS been a HEROINE of justice, goodness and important causes. And, taking a stand against heart disease is one cause no woman can afford to ignore. In fact, this month Betty also has teamed up with the fabulous team at WOMAN’S DAY MAGAZINE to deliver this message of monumental importance.

You see, for women heart disease is the number one health risk. It’s more lethal than all cancers put together, including breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. For example, while 1 in 13 women will die of breast cancer, 1 in every 3 will die of cardiovascular disease. And, 90 percent of us have at least one risk factor for the disease. Indeed, estrogen is our greatest ally in protecting us from heart disease — so as we age and enter menopause our risk increases.

Not only are our risks for heart disease high, but when it comes to this disease women are reportedly under-treated and under-served. In fact, women with complaints are often sent home from the hospital only to find out later they have suffered a heart attack.

So, we need to educate ourselves, take responsibility for our health and FORCE medical professionals everywhere to pay attention to us and take us seriously when it comes to this disease.

To that end, Betty and I have compiled 3 LISTS ON HEART DISEASE to share with women everywhere. And, here’s the first:

FIVE MAJOR RISK FACTORS FOR WOMEN:

1. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & HIGH CHOLESTEROL: Both of these conditions can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
2. FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE: Once again, heredity plays an important role in the development of this disease.
3. OBESITY: Especially for women, being overweight and having excess weight around the abdomen increase the risk for heart disease.
4. DIABETES: This condition actually increases the risk for heart disease in women more than in men.
5. SMOKING: Once again, tobacco use is linked to many diseases, including heart disease.

Now, for the second:

SEVEN COMMON SYMPTOMS FOR WOMEN:

1. PAIN IN THE UPPER TORSO: This may not be severe. It may simply be pressure in the chest — or slight 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: This 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.
6. SHORTNESS OF BREATH: Similar to fatigue, this may occur for no apparent reason.
7. DIZZINESS OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS: Once again, this may occur even when sitting or resting.

Finally, the third:

SIX PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR WOMEN:

1. AVOID SMOKING: If you smoke, cut back now. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
2. EXERCISE: Moderate exercise will lower your risk for a heart attack by 30 to 50 percent. 30 minutes 5 days a week would be great! Start slow and build up.
3. 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.
4. EAT WELL: 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: Yep. 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. A small amount is a great way to help reduce the inflammation that’s associated with cardiovascular disease.

And, there we have it. Basic know-how for every woman who wants to improve her HEALTH and protect her HEART from disease.

I send a great big THANK YOU to the AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION for bringing AWARENESS to all of us during HEART HEALTH MONTH.

And, of course, many thanks to Betty for joining me today and to FLEISCHER STUDIOS and hubby MARK FLEISCHER for making her visit possible 🙂

And, most of all, HEART-FELT thanks to YOU for being here once again. Until next time everyone, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!