February is Heart Healthy Month, and as a heart attack survivor, twice, I want to encourage you to take time to care for your heart. Heart Healthy Month is all about creating awareness of the importance of having a healthy heart and giving you opportunities to learn the facts about heart disease and stroke.
Go Red Day
This year Go Red Day is February 1st. What is Go Red Day? This day is created for women and men to wear red to generate awareness of the issues and support women’s cardiovascular health. Did you know that 1 in 3 women die of heart disease? Did you know that heart disease is the number 1 killer of women in the United States? Heart Disease takes more lives than cancer, diabetes or automobile accidents.
Wear your red proudly, and if someone asks you why you are wearing red, be ready to give them some statistics that will blow them away. Education is key to understanding heart health and in helping others prevent their own cardiovascular issues.
Would You Know Your Symptoms?
It is important to know the signs before you have a heart attack, and not google your symptoms as I did during my heart attack. Also, never drive yourself to the emergency room if you believe you might be having a heart attack. I broke this rule and didn’t call 911. I drove myself, but I did not believe I was having a heart attack. I thought I was having an anxiety attack because of stressful life circumstances. It is only by the grace of God I am here today.
The symptoms of a heart attack can be very different for women than for men. A heart attack isn’t often like what you see on TV, which is usually a man clutching his chest and falling over. Did you know you can present symptoms for weeks before you have a heart attack? Looking back to before I had my heart attack, I had been feeling nauseous and light-headed, but I attributed it to a new medication I was taking for my blood pressure, which has similar side effects.
Here is a list of the symptoms, from the American Heart Association. You may not have all these symptoms when experiencing a heart attack, but it doesn’t mean you aren’t having one. Listen to your body and if someone is with you, let them know you are not feeling well.
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
The Family Connection
I have learned if someone in your immediate family had a heart attack it increases your chances of cardiovascular disease too. I knew my grandfather had a heart attack when I was young, and later a fatal heart attack, but what I didn’t know was it could increase my risk of having a heart attack.
Check your family history and see if you have any additional risk as a result of other family members having cardiovascular disease. It is important to share this information with your doctor as well.
Exercise Your Right
I have struggled with weight and blood pressure issues for years. Knowing your numbers and maintaining normal levels for your blood pressure are key in helping to prevent serious complications for your heart.
After my heart attack, I went to cardiac rehab where I exercised with a heart monitor to make sure my heart was staying in range, and I wasn’t overexerting my heart. Nurses kept track of my progress and checked my vitals during exercise as well. I have graduated from Cardiac Rehab, and now, I have a Fitbit which helps me stay active and keeps track of my heart rate for me.
Staying active and exercising is also important in helping you to lower your weight and maintain healthy numbers. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise plan, but the best way to combat cardiovascular disease is to keep active.
The key is finding something you enjoy. For me, it is water aerobics in the winter and walking in the spring, summer, and fall. I have also joined Revelation Wellness which incorporates different types of exercise. I love the friendships I am building and the strength my body is regaining.
Whatever exercise you choose to do, know that something is better than nothing!
Try New Foods!
I’m dead honest when I say this is the area I struggle with most. However, since my heart attack, I’ve educated myself about making better choices and even trying new fruits and vegetables. I’ve also learned how to cook with healthier oils and the importance of reading labels. I love a good steak, but now it is a rarity for me. (Pun intended) It isn’t that I can’t have steak, I just choose to have something else.
I have never been a fish eater, I don’t enjoy the taste which I know is supposed to be so good for you, but I do love seafood such as shrimp, crab legs, scallops, and lobster. I prefer to get my fish oil in a capsule if needed.
Don’t Stress Out!
As women, we tend to shrug off how we are feeling and keep pushing through. Women are strong, but we are only as strong as our hearts make us. It is okay to say, “No” to things and to take time for yourself. It isn’t selfish when you choose to skip an activity with others to do something to relieve stress in your life. Sometimes that may mean taking a walk and another time a well-deserved bubble bath.
Women are pulled in many different directions, and the stress is real. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed it might be time to re-evaluate your calendar and make some space for yourself. I know when I allow my margins to get too narrow it makes my blood pressure go up. Nothing is worth sacrificing your health. The people who love you need you, and you need them.
Anyone Can Have a Heart Attack
There isn’t a certain gender, age, race, or weight that determines who will have a heart attack. It can happen to anyone. This is why it’s important to get this information out and continue to create awareness. The American Heart Association’s website has resources and information to help you understand and recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
Will You Go Red with Me?
As part of the Jesus Glitter family, I would like to ask you to partner with me and Go Red on Friday, February 1st. Let me see your Red! Take pictures and upload them to the Jesus Glitter Facebook Page, or tag me on Instagram or Twitter. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #GoRedforWomen and #BetheSparkle Let’s create awareness together for women’s heart health. I’m also raising funds by partnering with the American Red Cross in raising donations for this heart worthy cause. If you would like to help me meet the goal set for $500.00 for Sheila’s Glitter Gals, together we can make a difference! #BetheSparkle because the world needs to see you shine!
This is such a great reminder to keep the heart healthy. Heart disease runs in my family so it’s very important!
Hi, Leigh!
I have come to the conclusion we can never be reminded enough. In order to stay healthy for our loved one and help prevent heart disease for others sharing what we know is key to their health and ours. Thank You for taking the time to read this post.
I’m so thankful the Lord chose to keep you here with us! You are such a wonderful advocate for heart disease and making positive changes in lifestyle!
Hi, Toni!
I’m thankful for beautiful friends like you who continue to bless my life in so many ways! God is good and until He calls me home I will keep praising His name! I’m still waiting for Florida pictures 🙂
My mother in law had a heart attack 25 years ago so we are always going red every year. Thank you for spreading awareness.
Hi, Rachel!
Wow! Thank You for going red and continuing to raise awareness in your community! What a tribute to your mother-in-law!
This is such a great article to read! So informative and very-well composed
Hi, Gena!
Thank You so much! I hope the information helped create awareness about this important health issue for women.
Sheila, when we are going through the scary bits of life, we really have no idea what God is going to do, but it is obvious that God is using you, not only to spread knowledge about our hearts and taking care of them, but to be an encourager to women. Thank you for your honest posts and for letting us journey with you. I’m glad you are doing well and aren’t we all learning and growing and changing, as God pushes us through the grape press? Ha, ha. Thanks for sharing. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Hi, Amy!
I love the analogy of the grape press! I am glad I can still produce juice. I always say our story is for His glory. We don’t always understand the why, but my heart’s desire is if God allows me to impact one person’s life for a deeper relationship or to develop a relationship with Him it is worth it! Amy, thank you for always being an encourager to me. You are a blessing beyond words!
I’ve actually never heard of this day before. I love the cause, though. As someone who has a lot of family with heart conditions, the more awareness, the better.
Hi, Heather!
I’m glad you know so you can help create awareness and provide support to your family members! Did you wear red today?
So important to raise awareness, I loved learning more about it
Hi, Paula!
I’m glad you learned about the importance of knowing your numbers! This is information we all need to know!
My dad passed away a couple of years ago for a heart attack, it’s so important to raise awareness
Hi, Mimi!
I am very sorry about the loss of your father. Death is hard! I pray you are finding comfort in sweet memories and the love of those around you. Awareness is vital to everyone.
Such an interesting post and reading x
Hi, Marina!
Thanks and I hope you are wearing red today! Even if it is lipstick! 🙂
Such a great reminder and great info! I will put on my red proudly!
Hi, Patricia!
Yeah for wearing red! Thank You for helping to create awareness for those in your life!
This is something near to my heart… lol Heart disease runs in the family. Thanks for bringing awareness to this issue!
Hi, Tiffany!
Sometimes we don’t like the dice we are rolled, but we can improve our odds 🙂 I hope these tips were helpful, but I pray you never have to experience the symptoms. Many Blessings to you!
I will wear rod tomorrow! I am still surprised at women’s risk for heart attack. I took note of the symptoms. Thank you so much!!!
Hi, JJ!
Thanks for wearing red and helping in creating awareness for Go Red Day! I’m glad you read the symptoms and know your risks! Blessings to you!
February is such a great month to be reminded to take care of ourselves and other loved ones. Thank you for all the tips on making this a great heart healthy month of motivation.
Hi, Sharon!
Yes, it is a great month! I’m hoping to find some new heart-healthy recipes online from all my favorite food bloggers! Hint! Hint!
Sheila, this is amazing information! Your story is a powerful reminder for us all to know the symptoms and spread awareness. I’m so thankful God brought you through! I hope to wear red tomorrow (if I can find it!)
xo
Laura
Hi, Laura!
Thank You so much! It is what you learn from your own personal experiences that have the most impact on your life and in others. I truly believe that God doesn’t waste a thing! I hope you found your red today and are wearing it proudly! Love and prayers!
Awareness campaigns for heart health are SO IMPORTANT. My husband’s grandmother had a heart attack but she didn’t know she was having symptoms, and neither did anyone else. She ended up dying because of it. Thank you for sharing this!
Hi, Catherine!
I am very sorry for your loss. I have heard so many stories like this one. This is why I believe it is so important to get the message out. If it saves one life it is worth it. I have to be honest and say I didn’t know the symptoms beforehand and I am grateful for the quick action of my team. Blessings to you!
Thanks for sharing this information, Sheila! It’s amazing how much of a difference what we eat can make. I was just talking to someone about that yesterday. Anyways, so glad you are okay!
Hi, Heather!
It is true I believe eating can be healing or it can make you sick to the point of death! Apparently, God is not done with me yet on earth so I will continue to #BetheSparkle Thanks Heather, I am so thankful for you too!