For the Love of Your Heart!

February is American Heart Month. Celebrities, red pins, red dress - the awareness campaign in high gear during the month. The truth is heart disease is the #1 Killer in both men and women. Yes, women! This disease takes no breaks. It develops over time, it is sometimes genetically inherited but in other cases, it just happens (life style habits/behaviors). The symptoms in women differ in women and can be easily dismissed as stress or some other minor health set back that can be cured with a bit of relaxation or in some cases a prescription.

The symptoms in women includes:

• Sweating
• Fatigue (unusual)
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheaded
•  Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal, Neck, Upper back or discomfort in Shoulder 

Could you be stressed? Of course you can. What woman does not experience a bit of stress from time to time? Most women face the stresses of life daily. However, you must not ignore these symptoms. You must see a doctor immediately. Express your concerns, be your biggest advocate - get the full work up.

For the Love of your Heart:

• Avoid smoking - quit it, seek help if you must
• Eat your fruits, vegetables, whole wheat, diet. 
• Consume foods that are low in saturated fats, cholesterol and salt
• Exercise consistently for 30 - 60 minutes a day
• Maintain a healthy weight 

You already know that you don't have to be a man to be affected by heart diseases, neither do you have to be overweight or old.  The disease can affect you.