GOING RED WITH BETTY FOR HEART HEALTH MONTH

FEBRUARY AND HEART HEALTH MONTH

Hello everyone and welcome to another #FACTUAL FRIDAY.

February is HEART HEALTH MONTH, that time of year when the American Heart Association and Women everywhere join together to raise awareness of Heart Disease, the leading cause of death for women in America.

And, as always, our Beloved BETTY BOOP, who is on loan today from FLEISCHER STUDIOS, will “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 of monumental importance.

You see, heart disease is the number one health risk for women. It’s more lethal than all 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, 90 percent of us have at least one risk factor for the disease. Moreover, estrogen is our greatest ally in protecting us from heart disease – so, unfortunately, 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, Ladies let’s unite! Let’s educate ourselves, take a pro-active approach to our health care and FORCE medical professionals everywhere to pay attention to us. For we must be taken seriously, and yes – as serious as a heart attack — when it comes to heart disease.

Accordingly, it’s time to REVIEW THE FACTS. Betty and I have compiled 3 LISTS ON HEART DISEASE that we share every February with our readers.

The first will help you assess YOUR PERSONAL RISK for HEART DISEASE.

FIVE MAJOR RISK FACTORS FOR WOMEN:

1. SMOKING: Tobacco use in all its forms, is linked to many diseases, including cardiovascular and heart disease.
2. FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE: Heredity plays an important role in the development of many diseases and heart disease is one of them.
3. OBESITY: For women, being overweight and having excess weight around the abdomen in particular increase the risk for heart disease.
4. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & HIGH CHOLESTEROL: Both of these conditions can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
5. DIABETES: This medical condition increases the risk for heart disease in both women and men, but more so in women.

Now, we move on to RECOGNIZING AND IDENTIFYING danger signs.

SEVEN COMMON SYMPTOMS FOR WOMEN:

1. 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.
2. SHORTNESS OF BREATH: Similar to fatigue, this may occur for no apparent reason.
3. SWEATING: This is characterized by a nervous, cold sweat that appears to be stress-related.
4. DIZZINESS OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS: Once again, this may occur even when sitting or resting.
5. 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.
6. ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT: This may be subtle like the symptoms of heartburn — or more severe like the stomach pain of a bad flu.
7. NAUSEA OR VOMITING: While this may be related to abdominal discomfort, it also may occur without warning.

Finally, a list to help you PROTECT YOURSELF.

SIX PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR WOMEN:

1. AVOID SMOKING: If you smoke, it’s definitely time to cut back and stop. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
2. 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.”
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. 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.
6. 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, which can help reduce the inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease.

It’s not that difficult, Ladies. We are strong and determined!  We can IMPROVE OUR HEALTH and PROTECT OUR HEARTS by exercising a little common sense and adding a bit of basic medical know-how to our busy everyday lives.

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

I thank Betty for joining me again this year in delivering this important message and I thank FLEISCHER STUDIOS and hubby MARK FLEISCHER for making her visit possible 😊

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

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!