Starting with the basics for your heart health
Have you ever noticed that February focuses on the heart?
February is heart health awareness month. The leading cause of death for women is heart disease did you know that? I think we have to talk about heart disease and women more than just once a year so I will spend time during Women’s history month to extend the discussion and hopeful raise awareness more. If you are 50 years of age or older have you had all your health screening? It is important for all women to get a regular physical from their doctors but for heart disease it is even more important for women over 50 or women who have started menopause.
So that you can be most prepared for your appointment let me give you a list of risk factors so you can write them down and tell them to your doctor during your visit. Risk factors include: family history, current smoker and (history of smoking depending on usage and during of use), diabetes, being overweight or obese, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lack of exercise. Sit down and take a moment and think about if you have any of these factors. If you don’t know your what Aunt Sue died of call your mom and ask her!
