Heart Health Month
Did you know that heart disease and stroke causes 1 in 3 deaths among women each year? This is more than all cancers combined. The American Heart Association has created a campaign called Go Red For Women that will dispel the myths and raise awareness in a passionate way to empower women to take charge of their heart health. The signs or symptoms of heart disease are different for men and women.
For Women the signs are:
- Unusual fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Shortness of breath
- Indigestion
- Anxiety
Many women reported symptoms occurring as much as month before a heart attack.
For Men the signs are:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Unusual fatigue
- Cold sweat
- Dizziness
Of course, for both men and women, the basic symptoms of heart attack include chest tightness or pressure and/or pain in the chest, neck, arms or back or jaw. It is advised to seek immediate medical attention if you encounter any of the above symptoms.
The great news is that it takes just a few simple life choices to lead to a healthy heart. The American Heart Association calls for 7 simple steps to help get you on the road to a healthy body. First, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy weight and eating better. Of course, they encourage an active lifestyle and maintaining the proper the blood pressure and reduced blood sugars. Cholesterol levels need to be in a controlled state and to stop smoking is highly recommended.
Try to keep the stress in your life at a minimum and remember to include exercise activities into your daily schedule. This can be something as simple as a walk with a friend, or a yoga class. Life is precious and good healthy is just few simple steps away. Happy February, Happy Heart Health Month!
