According to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined. That is pretty amazing, given our rightful attention to causes such as breast cancer awareness. More interesting is how women support and take care of each other through these causes – women are natural caregivers, even with strangers.
However, we have an obligation to take care of our own health – for ourselves, our family and friends. That’s not as natural for us! So, let’s start with some heart health basics since February is Heart Health Awareness Month:
- Get your cholesterol checked if you haven’t in the past year. Consider a VAP Test or PLAC Test, which offer more comprehensive information.
- Exercise! Practice for and join your community health walks. This is an excellent way to move and socialize at the same time!
- Eat right The holidays are over! It is time to get serious about what you are putting into your body. Try your local farmer’s market, stores that carry organic and fresh produce, or if you are on the run, try Meals To Live frozen meals, which are diabetic-friendly.
- Monitor your glucose and take action right away if you’ve been diagnosed as a pre-diabetic or diabetic.
- Stop smoking. Enough said.
- Recognize symptoms of a possible heart attack Women’s heart attack symptoms can be different than those of men. Be on alert for:
- Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in your chest
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
- Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
Ladies, Bless Your Hearts and learn more by visiting the American Heart Association and get tested at your local ANY LAB TEST NOW.
