STRONG WOMEN LIFT EACH OTHER UP!
Hello everyone and welcome to February – a month when our thoughts gravitate to valentines, flowers, chocolates, romance, and hearts.
And because February is American Heart Health Month, we are also reminded that when we think of hearts, we need to address not only the happiness of our hearts but the health of our hearts as well.
Leading the charge on our behalf is the American Heart Association, which for the 59th consecutive year has strived to bring the issue of heart health awareness to everyone, and especially to women.
And in honor of women everywhere, we at Fleischer Studios bring our team together with our beloved BETTY BOOP to join the discussion and co-host this special annual 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.
Heart disease is the number one health risk for women. Unfortunately, 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 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:
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & CHOLESTEROL
Both of these conditions can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE
Heredity plays an important role in the development of many diseases and heart disease is one of them.
SMOKING
Tobacco use in all its forms is linked to many diseases, including cardiovascular and heart disease.
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.
5 COMMON SYMPTOMS OF STROKE OR HEART ATTACK INCLUDE:
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT
Flu-like symptoms, stomach pain, heartburn and unexplained nausea or vomiting may be signs of a heart attack or stroke.
UNEXPLAINED SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR FATIGUE
Many women having a heart attack will feel short of breath, tired or dizzy even if they have been sitting quietly and have not been physically active.
DIZZINESS OR LIGHT-HEADEDNESS
Once again, when this symptom appears without explanation, it could be evidence of a heart attack.
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.
And finally, 5 WAYS WE CAN PROTECT OURSELVES INCLUDE:
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.”
AVOID SMOKING
If you smoke, it’s time to cut back and stop. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
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.
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.
And there we have 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 reminds 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 big heart-felt THANK YOU to the American Heart Association for their tireless efforts to educate and inform us all 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 HEART HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.
Remember, we women are in this fight together and
STRONG WOMEN LIFT EACH OTHER UP!
Until next time everyone, stay safe, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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