Our Silent Killer and How to Keep It Away

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.

OUR SILENT KILLER(1)

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

Heart Association Physcail Activity for Adults

Heart Association Physical Activity for Kids

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

Heart Health Blood Pressure

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.

Heart Attack and Stroke Warning Signs

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

 

Bernadyn
Bernadyn is a Jacksonville native who loves the beach, sun, chocolate, and coffee. She met her husband while she was in college at the University of North Florida. They have two kids (6 and 9). When she became a mom, she began her freelance writing career. She wrote for various publications while writing for her blog, B is 4. Her writing and blog led her to become an influencer, which opened up doors to collaborate with other businesses, such as Ink Link Marketing, US Family Guide, and Vanity Fair. During this time, she discovered her passion for marketing and social media. She recently started a new chapter in her life by returning to school to pursue her graduate degree in English, specializing in Rhetoric and Composition. She also returned to working outside the home. She now works as a copywriter and social media coordinator for a publishing company. In her free time, you can find her spending time outdoors, searching for more chocolate or coffee, and finding new adventures to do with her family. Her greatest lesson she has learned as a mom is that time is precious and that there is always something new to learn from your kids.

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