Welcome to Wednesday Word, a weekly linkup for everyone, not just health and fitness bloggers. Each Wednesday you will have a single word prompt to write about.  Let your imagination run free and share with your readers your interpretation of that word, or simply use it as inspiration for your post. Today’s word is heart…..  I’d love to have you link up, and if you do, please remember to follow my six simple rules.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR9502.
 

Heart – a hollow muscular organ of vertebrate animals
that by its rhythmic contraction acts as a force pump
maintaining the circulation of the blood

~ Merriam-Webster

 

February is National Heart Month, and during this month we’ll see advertisements on TV, in magazines, and online reminding us of the warning signs of a heart attack. While many symptoms are the same for both men and women, there are a few warning signs that are much more common for women than men. Your health, or that of a loved one, depends on you knowing these signs.

 

American Heart Association‘s warning signs of a heart attack in a man:

  • Chest pain or discomfort which can also feel like pressure or squeezing
  • Chest pain that comes and goes
  • Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, or jaw 
  • Shortness of breath
  • Experiencing nausea or stomach pain
  • Becoming lightheaded
  • Becoming clammy or breaking out into a sweat

 

American Heart Association‘s warning signs of a heart attack in a woman:

  • Chest pain or discomfort which can also feel like pressure or squeezing
  • Chest pain that comes and goes
  • Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, or neck
  • Jaw pain – more common for women
  • Shortness of breath – more common for women
  • Experiencing nausea and vomiting – more common for women
  • Becoming lightheaded
  • Becoming clammy or breaking out into a sweat

 

Addressing your heart health:

  • Know your family medical history
  • Get a physical
  • Start a regular exercise program
  • Change to a heart healthy diet (see Mayo Clinic suggestions below)
  • If you smoke, quit
  • Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels

 

Mayo Clinic‘s tips for eating a heart healthy diet:

  • Control portion size
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables
  • Eat whole grains
  • Limit unhealthy fats
  • Limit sodium intake
  • Eat lean cuts of meat and fish
  • Meal plan
  • Limit treats, but enjoy occasionally

 

Ways to celebrate National Heart Month:

  • Run in a race to support heart health
  • Take a CPR certification course
  • Wear red on February 5th to support women’s heart health 
  • Attend a health and fitness expo
  • Organize a heart health screening for your office
  • Make a donation to a charitable organization researching cures for heart disease

 

HeartBalloons

Balloons from Chicago’s Heart Walk along Lake Michigan in September

 

As with so many other diseases, diet and exercise play a huge role in maintaining a healthy heart. February is the perfect time to focus on what will keep your healthy. Do it for yourself and for the ones you love!

Don’t forget to check out my review from yesterday of Halo Headphones, and enter my giveaway for a chance to win a pair of your own!

 

Do you have a healthy heart? 

 

Grab My Button!

Deb Runs
 
 


Next Wednesday’s Word: Triumphant