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Her Heart.

Matters

Darlene Booth
R.N.C.P.

..... The human heart is an organ that should never be taken for granted. This hard working muscle sits in the middle of the chest and is roughly the size of a clenched fist. It is the only muscle in the body that works continuously without rest and works in conjunction with the respiratory system to insure oxygen rich blood is delivered throughout the body. This system relies on an intricate web of veins, arteries and capillaries to do the job efficiently. When any one part of this system is compromised, an individual is at risk for heart disease.
..... Primarily, heart disease was thought to
heart conditions. The sooner treatment is sought, the better chance you have of reducing the risk of death or permanent damage to the heart. By incorporating some healthy habits into your life, you can greatly reduce your risk for developing heart and other diseases.
1. Smoking damages the blood vessels and the heart. Just by quitting smoking your risk of heart disease dramatically decreases after one year. Women who smoke and take birth control are at an even greater risk for heart attacks and strokes.
2. Exercise that muscle! Get your
be mainly a concern for men but it is the number one killer in the female population as well. Six times more women will die from heart related disease than those who will die from breast cancer.
..... There are a wide variety of factors that contribute to the risk of developing heart disease. Many of them are lifestyle choices that include stress, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, and the use of birth control pills. Studies are also finding that bacteria and viruses may be playing a role in formation of arterial plaques. In the scientific world, many of the recommendations and treatments have been based on studies of white, middle aged men. Women have their own unique physiology that differs from men. Therefore the disease does not always manifest or respond to treatment in the same way. It has also been noted that women may develop heart disease 10 to 15 years later than men. This may be partly due to hormonal differences.
..... We have all been conditioned to recognize the classic symptoms of a heart attack. Severe pain in the chest is probably thought to be the most common of symptom but not everyone experiences pain. Women especially are less likely to experience severe chest pain. They will often describe tightness, pressure or an ache in the chest, but many will experience no pain at all. Any pain or pressure in the chest should be taken seriously. Other symptoms to note are dizziness, fatigue, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and pain in the jaw, back, or neck. Generally speaking, we should be aware of our bodies and seek help when conditions change.
..... Prevention and early detection are best when dealing with most diseases especially so with
...

blood pumping on a regular basis and you can reduce your risk of heart disease by at least 25%. Brisk walking for 30 minutes each day can help strengthen the circulatory system, reduce stress and help manage weight. Even a ten percent reduction in weight can help with blood pressure, cholesterol and reduce risk of developing diabetes.
3. And of course there is the dietary factor. I can’t stress enough how much our diet of processed food contributes to all modern diseases. For optimal health we need to eat a wide variety of quality wholesome foods that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seeds, legumes and healthy fats. Choose lean proteins and keep fatty meats to a minimum. Cold water fish is a very heart friendly food.
4. Drink alcohol in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks daily for men. The bottom line is that every thing should be in balance. Too much of anything can undermine optimal health.
5. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can affect health at a cellular level. Taking a balanced multi vitamin and mineral complex may be the best life insurance you could purchase. Talk to your health care professional to find one to fit your individual needs.
..... Traditionally a woman’s role in society is to take care of her family. Many women today are balancing home and family with a career. This often means that other peoples needs often come first but it is important for all of us to treat ourselves with loving kindness and respect especially when others depend on you. Be kind to your heart.

Good Health to You!

 

 


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