by special guest author Eliz Greene. (Note: Join Eliz as our special guest on Feb 22, 2012 at 10AM in a live interview. There is no charge and you can find out more here.)
Each February EmbraceYourHeart.com focuses on Women’s Heart Health – to build awareness, improve treatment, and end research disparities.
Over the past ten years, we’ve done a pretty good job! Most women recognize heart disease as the number one killer of women of all ages.
Are you putting your heart as your #1 priority?
To celebrate Heart Month 2012 – here are 12 ways you can Embrace Your Heart. Share them with a woman you love and ask her to take care of #1 (her heart)!
- Wake Up! The majority of women don’t know their own personal risk of heart disease. Take the time of get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked and have a conversation about your family history, weight, and lifestyle with a medical professional.
- Know The Signs: Women’s symptoms of heart attack can be very subtle. Any unusual pain in your jaw, neck, shoulder, torso – really anywhere from the top of your head to your hips – can be a symptom of heart attack. Uncomfortable pressure, burning or squeezing in your chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold sweat, and nausea can all be symptoms as well. Play it safe – call 911 and get help right away.
- Call A Friend: Stress increases your risk of heart disease – one easy way to reduce stress is to talk to a friend. Women who maintain positive relationships with other women reduce their risk by 30%! Girl talk is good for your heart!
- Pet A Friend: Another great stress reducer is to pet a dog or cat. Yes, our furry friends are good for the heart too!
- Indulge! Adult life can be so serious – take time to indulge in something you enjoy – especially if it makes you laugh! Don’t feel guilty about watching that crazy reality show – if it distracts you and allows you to relax, enjoy!
- Power Nap: Most women do not get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. A 20-minute nap can do wonders to reduce stress and refresh your body and mind.
- Move Your Bootie! Sitting all day has negative health consequences – get up every hour or two and spend 3 to 5 minutes moving around. Take a quick walk, stretch, dance around – do something to get your blood pumping. You’ll return ready to retain more information and be more productive. More Move Your Bootie tips.
- Drink Water: Perhaps the most overlooked quick health tip – drinking 60 to 80 ounces of water each day. You need water to maintain healthy blood pressure, regulate body temperature, and keep your body (especially your digestive system) working properly.
- Learn CPR: It’s easy to learn – anyone can be a hero! Watch our CPR Video.
- Have A Carrot: Most women don’t eat enough veggies and fruits. Keep baby carrots handy, pack an apple or orange for a snack, or enjoy a salad for lunch. All great ways to pack in more healthy nutrients. Get more nutrition tips here.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking puts heart disease into overdrive in women. Women who smoke get heart disease 12 to 15 years earlier than women who don’t.
- Join the Fight!Become an advocate for Women and Heart Disease. Lend your voice to make a difference find out how here.
Happy Heart Month – make sure you take time to ask someone you love to take care of her heart!
About the author: Eliz Greene works busy people to improve heart health, so they can work well, feel better, and stress less. She is a heart attack survivor and the author of the Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart as well as 3 other books on wellness. She writes one of the top 50 health and wellness blogs and is a sought-after heart health, stress management, & wellness speaker. If you are planning a women’s wellness program, workplace wellness program or programs for healthcare professionals check out EmbraceYourHeart.com to see if Eliz would be a good fit with your organization.
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