Saturday, February 9, 2013

February is National Heart Disease Month

       February is National Heart Disease Month

Did you know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women? The American Heart Association created the movement called "Go Red for Women" to bring awareness to the warning signs so that women can act swiftly to get help.

FACT:  Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That’s approximately one woman every minute!

"Go Red for Women has published warning signs that women should not ignore.  "Sweating. Pressure. Nausea. Jaw pain. Believe it or not, these are all symptoms of a heart attack in women. They are also symptoms that women often brush off as the flu, stress or simply feeling under the weather – which could put their lives in jeopardy" (www.goredforwomen.org).  Ladies, please DO NOT ignore these symptoms!  You should seek help immediately.  It is always better SAFE, than SORRY!

If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately:


  • Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
  • 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.
As with men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to note that women are more likely to experience the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

There are ways to prevent heart disease:

1. Quit Smoking
2. Avoid second-hand smoke 
3. Know your numbers
4. Process out processed foods
5. Get moving
6. Get your friends and family on board
7. Spread awareness

For more information on Heart Disease in women, visit www.goredforwomen.org.  Please share this information with your mother, sister, cousin....or any women in your life  because you may just save a life!

Take care of yourself!

Heavens Touch