February is Heart Month!
Heart Disease & Women
Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year. This means women are dying at the rate of one per minute. It simply does not have to be that way. But only 1 in 5 women believe heart disease is her greatest health threat.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Cholesterol
Having too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes
Compared to women without diabetes, women with diabetes have two to four times higher death rates from heart disease. Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. This increases their risk even more.
Heart Attack and Stroke
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in America.
High Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it raises the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure. It truly is a “silent killer.”
Healthy Behaviors That Reduce Your Risk
Be Active
By getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week you can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Lower your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Women who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke, even if they are young or have no family history of heart disease.
Healthy Eating
A healthy diet and lifestyle are some of your best weapons to fight cardiovascular disease.
Stop Smoking
It’s never too late to quit! No matter how much or how long you’ve smoked or when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease and stroke starts to drop.
Center for Health and Wellness’ Prevention & Outreach staff offers free screenings for hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes every 3rd Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. or on a walk-in basis. No appointment necessary.
*Information taken from American Heart Association website http://www.goredforwomen.org
Center for Health and Wellness provides low-cost health care options for the insured, underinsured, and uninsured regardless of your ability to pay.
