February is American Heart Month

I love February for many reasons.  In recent years though my list has grown to include this month because of American Heart Month.  It is so inspirational to hear stories of women and how they were able to refocus their lives to promote their own well being.

February is American Heart Month and it is a month to learn more about how to prevent heart disease and stroke.  Heart disease is the number 1 killer among women in the United States (www.americanheartorg).  It is so important to learn about the risk factors so that you may be able to recognize the signs if it happens to you or a family member.

Being a working mom, I tend to be frazzled from not handling stress very well and I tend to not take the time to take care of myself.  Do I go to the gym regularly?  No.  Do I watch what I eat?  I try but could improve.   Is my BMI too high?  Yes.  Just by these answers I should be aware that they are all risk factors for heart disease.  As a women, I need to take the time to improve my health choices for myself and my children’s sake.  I need to learn to not sweat the small stuff.  A deadline may seem worth tweaking out about or forgetting to eat or walk during lunch – but in the scheme of things it is not.  My health and finding balance is just as important.  I need to learn to keep my stress levels under control so that I do not make bad choices, in food or lack of exercise.

By reading articles that are written about this month and participating in local events, we can raise the bar on awareness in our communities.  I am a woman first and foremost.  I am also a mother.  I am a wife.  I am a daughter.  I am a sister.  I am an aunt.  I am a friend.  For all of these reasons I must learn more about the #1 problem for women right now and try to be educated on the subject.  After all, I am the one person in charge of my body and how I treat it.

Risks of heart disease: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise, obesity, extra weight, diabetes.

For more information, go to www.americanheart.org.