Go Red!

I’m wearing a red sweater today, in honor of National Wear Red Day for the American Heart Association.  They recently moved into the suite next door to my office, and today everyone who wore red is participating in a big group photo in the atrium.

February 1st is National Wear Red Day (February's First Friday) to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

Symptoms of heart attack in women are different from symptoms a man has when he’s having a heart attack.  I know something about this because the ex-wife of a cousin of DH had a heart attack last year, and no one could believe it at the time.  She had no chest pains, no achy arm or any shortness of breath… she thought she had the flu.

She was finally convinced to see a health professional, I don’t remember the circumstance, and they said ‘yes, heart attack’.  Everyone was stunned.  She’s always been active, was in fairly good physical condition for a woman in her 60s (better than I am, for sure!).  I think stress was a big factor, she has her own business and it’s pretty demanding.  But no one recognized it because they didn't know the symptoms.

If you need to know what women’s symptoms are, here’s a list from the American Heart Association:

·        shortness of breath

·        pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen

·        dizziness, light-headedness or fainting

·        upper back pressure

·        extreme fatigue

Here are some good ways to avoid heart trouble.  Keep your blood pressure under control, maintain a healthy weight, eat right, get a good night’s sleep and have a support system. Oh, and don’t smoke!

Heart attack is the number one killer among women, more than breast cancer, lung cancer, accident or anything else.

Learn the symptoms, avoid the pitfalls, live long and prosper!

By the way, having a hobby helps to relax you,

Sew On!