Hearts, specifically those small, cute candy ones, are an iconic image during the month of February because of Valentine’s Day. Fittingly, February is also American Heart Month, making our actual hearts an important topic to keep in mind. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, responsible for 1 in 4 deaths every year. It’s the number one killer of women, but the majority of us do not consider it to be our greatest health threat. As a woman and a parent of small children, I want to keep that threat far away from myself and from my kids.
Growing up, I associated heart-related concerns as old folks’ problems, thinking that their hearts have become weakened from age or an unhealthy lifestyle. As an adult, I now see the problem in that way of thinking. Unhealthy lifestyle? Many of us are probably finding that difficult to avoid! Old age? That’s difficult to avoid, too; for us parents, we may feel we’re getting older by the second!
The truth is that heart-related concerns can start before you’re an adult. Therefore, preventing heart disease means practicing a healthy lifestyle while you’re young. Fortunately, heart disease can be prevented, treated, and even ended by learning the right information and taking steps to maintain a healthy heart.
Life’s Simple 7
If you’re not sure where to start, follow these seven simple aspects to heart health outlined by the American Heart Association:
1. Avoid smoking and using tobacco products
2. Be Physically Active Every Day
3. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Take a look at the Heart Healthy Foods: Shopping List for a detailed list that you can take with you when you go shopping. While grocery shopping, look for food with the Heart-Check Mark label that shows it’s certified to be heart-healthy. For inspiration, try out some of these Heart-Healthy Recipes that include budget and kid-friendly options.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
5. Keep Your Blood Pressure Healthy
6. Keep Your Total Cholesterol Healthy
7. Keep Your Blood Sugar Healthy
If you would like to get an idea of your heart’s health now, take the My Life Check.
Learn the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack and Stroke
Do you know what a heart attack or stroke looks like? Does your child know, and if she does, would she know what to do? Another misconception I had when I was younger was the image that a heart attack would be obvious and dramatic. The truth is that some of the symptoms are subtle, which is why it’s known as the silent killer. Also, it’s often overlooked that the symptoms for women can be different. Many women make the mistake of believing they’re merely experiencing discomfort that’s unrelated to a heart attack. Don’t make that mistake! Aside from learning the warning signs yourself, teach them to your child and inform her of what to do in case there’s not another adult present.
Now that Valentine’s Day is over focus on maintaining your heart’s health. Heart health is a life-long commitment but is worth it! To learn more and to get involved with local heart-health awareness, consider participating in these upcoming events hosted by the American Heart Association of Jacksonville:
March 12 6:30 PM – First Coast Heart & Stroke Ball
May 20 10 AM – First Coast Go Red Luncheon
September 17 8 AM – First Coast Heart Walk