February is heart health month and in recognition of that, the American Heart Association sponsors the “Go Red for Women,” campaign every year. This year Go Red Day is Friday February 5th where businesses wear red and decorate their workspace to help spread the important message to educate our community on heart health.
Think about your family, what is your “why?” Why is heart health education and prevention important to you? My father died of congestive heart failure, along with other medical complications, in his very early 60s. My son’s other grandfather died of heart disease as well. It is something that is very prevalent in my family and I know how important it is to prevent disease, rather than trying to manage it after a crisis. That doesn’t mean that even if we do all the right things, that heart disease won’t affect us personally, but knowing our risks can help us to decrease health issues by taking action.
The mission of the American Heart Association is building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Statistics:
• Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women and takes the lives of more women than men.
• One in three women will be affected by heart disease.
• One woman per minute dies in this country from heart disease.
• 90% of women have one or more risk factor for heart disease.
Prevention:
• Awareness- know your family history and your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.)
• Exercise- get out and walk or do other cardiovascular activity, get your heart rate up.
• Stress management- learn to relax and wind down each day.
• Nutrition- Eating a balanced diet, with healthy fats, lean protein and complex carbohydrates will help keep your heart in tip top shape. Eating plant strong has been proven to be one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
• Don’t smoke!
• Take any medications your doctor has prescribed.
Signs:
• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
If you have heart attack symptoms, call 911. It has been shown that you will receive treatment 40 minutes to an hour quicker if you arrive in an ambulance, rather than driving to the emergency room. The hospital begins preparing for your arrival when the call is made and first responders can help as soon as they arrive on the scene.
If your company would like to “Go Red,” contact me at: [email protected] to obtain t-shirts for your employees and friends. For a $20 donation you get a nice red t-shirt that helps promote the message of heart health and they make great Valentine’s gifts! Join us on Facebook and post your pictures using #mesquitegored.
Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].
