Be Fabulous in RED

Last Friday, February 6th, men and women all over the country wore RED in observance of The American Heart Association's "Wear Red for Women" campaign.  It's February! Which means hearts everywhere, but not just for Valentine's Day.  February is National Heart Health Month. So why should women care?  Why do we need an awareness campaign for heart health when cancer is our biggest concern? According the the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control, there are plenty of reasons to raise awareness.  So WOMEN, pay attention!  Only 54% of us are actually aware that heart disease is our NUMBER ONE KILLER.

Did you know.........
Fact:  Heart disease is a killer that strikes more women than men, and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. While one in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, heart disease claims the lives of one in three. That’s roughly one death each minute.
Fact: Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. Because  symptoms vary greatly between men and women, they’re often misunderstood.
Fact: Studies have shown an increase in heart attacks among women about 10 years after experiencing menopause. 
Fact:  Cardiovascular disease kills nearly 50,000 African-American women annually.

The "Wear Red for Women" campaign is such an important part of raising awareness.  Every woman who takes a moment to PAY ATTENTION, and take action, has a greater chance of living a quality life, a longer life.  Every woman who takes a moment to PAY ATTENTION, has a greater chance of sharing that awareness to a loved one.  Every woman who takes a moment to PAY ATTENTION has a greater chance of raising children who are more likely to make their own health a priority.  Risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactive lifestyle, and family history of heart disease all increase a person's risk for heart disease.  Additionally, women have an increased risk post-menopause which is linked to lower estrogen levels.  However, it's important to recognize that experts do not recommend hormone therapy as a preventative measure at this time,because the lower estrogen level is likely only a part of the overall picture.    

There are many controllable factors  to help reduce the chances of developing heart disease.  

• Know your blood pressure.
• Be screened for diabetes regularly.
• Quit smoking.
• Keep track of your cholesterol numbers.
• Set some healthy eating goals.
• Lower your stress level and find healthy ways to cope with stress.

All the controllable factors listed above have the potential of increasing overall stress on the body.  This can affect cell and tissue health, and alter the way our bodies work.  Simple changes, such as making breakfast a priority, can be a great first step.  Did you know that not pro-actively fueling in the morning can put stress on your body? Did you know that most highly advertised breakfast food is not very nutritious? So a great place to start making changes, is with how you start your day.  Make your first meal of the day a high quality meal, that is full of energy and has a variety of nutrients!  Avoid listening to misconceptions that say eggs are bad for your heart, or that breakfast should be 300 or fewer calories.  These, among other diet misconceptions, are creating generations of problem eaters and increasing stress in the body.  All of which have the potential for increasing our risks for developing diabetes and heart disease. 

And for all you wonderful women out there.....listen to your bodies. Identifying a heart attack or stroke early is key to survival.    Unfortunately, some women have no symptoms of a heart attack.  But those who do are more likely to describe chest pain that is sharp, burning and more frequently have pain in the neck, jaw, throat, abdomen or back.  Vomiting has also been listed as a symptom for women. 

Regardless of where you decide to begin your journey to better heart health, start somewhere! Be sure to spread this important message, and be fabulous in RED.