As I read somewhere once, you can’t outrun a heart attack, so I’m taking a break from Training Tip Tuesday to bring attention to National Heart Month with a best of blog rerun…
American Heart Month
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.
Warning Signs
American Heart Association’s warning signs of a heart attack:
For men…
- • 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
For women…
- • 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 Heart Health
There are many different ways to take stock of your heart health:
- • Know your family medical history
- • Get a physical
- • Start a regular exercise program
- • Adopt a heart healthy diet (see Mayo Clinic suggestions below)
- • If you smoke, quit
- • Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Healthy Eating
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
Celebrating Heart Health During February
Ways to celebrate National Heart Month:
- • Participate in a virtual running or cycling event to support heart health
- • Take a CPR certification course
- • Wear red on February 3rd to support women’s heart health
- • Attend a virtual health and fitness expo or conference
- • Organize an online heart health screening for your office
- • Make a donation to a charitable organization researching cures for heart disease
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 lifestyle changes that will keep your heart healthy. Do it for yourself and for the ones you love!
Questions:
- • Do you have a healthy heart? ~ I hope so, but I do have a family history of heart disease.
- • Are you CPR certified? ~ yes
- • What is your favorite heart-healthy meal? ~ salmon and roasted asparagus
I’m linking up with Kim at Kookyrunner and Zenaida of Zenaida Arroya for their Tuesday topics Link-Up. Be sure to check out not only the hosts’ posts, but those of the other great bloggers joining in on the fun!
Great topic!
Based on my family’s history, I’ll probably die of a heart attack.
One thing that I’m intrigued by is my resting heart rate. I wear my Garmin 24/7, so it’s a good way to monitor the RHR for me. Right now, my 7-day average is 45. Whenever it goes over 50, I try to get more sleep and rest. Even one glass of alcohol drives it up like crazy!
With your family history, it’s good that you live such an active lifestyle and eat healthy. I’m kind of in the same boat (on my mom’s side).
I think I have a healthy heart… no history in my family.
I don’t eat a lot of red meat (though I like it)..
The French says red wine is good for your heart… so I’m good in that respect LOL
No family history, lots of cardio exercise, minimal red meat, and a little red wine… sounds like you’re in a good place in regards to heart disease.
Great info & such a great (timely) reminder. While my father has never had a heart attack, he has had a few scares with chest discomfort in recent years. Fortunately, he’s pretty active for his (almost) 83 years, but I know he & my mom really could fine-tune their eating habits. I’m constantly trying to encourage them about healthier choices & the value in daily exercise (or movement).
You’re doing the best you can to be a good example for your parents.
I was CPR certified years ago but I should definitely sign up for a refresher course. It’s such an important skill to have.
Yes, I agree, and I’m kind of grateful that I’m required to keep my certification up because otherwise I might not…
Getting regular check ups and screenings are so important. It is so helpful to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol often to look for changes. Great reminders!
Especially as we get older!
Many of my family members have high cholesterol. I have a healthy heart but also trying to watch my cholesterol levels with the foods I eat. I am active with running so I say that is helping me.
Good for you! Keep up the good work.