Tag Archives: heart disease

Save the Date

17 Jan

Pink Ink…

Can you believe that we are already 1/2 way through January? I cannot!  Every time I turn on the TV, every time I look at Twitter, every time I open a January issue of a magazine, I see something about “2013 resolutions”.

Are you looking for a 2013 “resolution”? One that will actually “stick”? Are you looking to do something that will change your life for the better?  Well here is my suggestion.

Go Red!IMG_0231

That’s right!  Go Red!  Get Heart Healthy!  It is more than a resolution.  It is a lifestyle choice!  Being heart healthy can save your life.  Did you know that:

  • Heart Disease kills more women than all the “cancers” combined.
  • Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in the US.
  • There are 3 hearts attacks per minute.
  • More women die of heart disease than men every year.

So how do you get started?

  • Check out websites like http://www.goredforwomen.org or http://www.heart.org.  These websites are great tools for learning more about heart disease, as well as providing advice on creating new habits.
  • Control your risk factors!  Stop smoking, cut down on alcohol, walk 10k steps a day!  Just get up and move!
  • Learn your family history.
  • Participate in Wear Red Day™!

Friday, February 1, 2013 is the 10th anniversary of Wear Red Day™.  On  this day, millions of people across the country who are committed to fighting this deadly disease break out the red! Some, like Star Jones, wear red for 28 days!  While there have been great strides in awareness, there is still much work to be done. People still need to learn to love their hearts!  Let that be your 1st step in being heart healthy! Love your heart.  You only get one.

February is National Heart Month recognizing the impact heart disease has on millions of Americans each year.  The month is usually marked by various walks, lectures, and parties designed to raise awareness.  Check out your local American Heart Association™ chapters for what is going on in your neck of the woods.  Sign up to become a “heart ambassador”!

So break out your fave piece of red clothing and stand with us as we build awareness.  Remember, more important than the clothing, is the “resolution” to be healthy.  Check back in February for some fun heart healthy recipes, a guest blog or two, and some fun pictures, all in honor of Heart Month!

Remember to…Save the Date!

Tags: , , , , ,

Meet a celebrity!

26 Sep

We have been friends together

in sunshine and shade

Caroline Norton

Pink Ink…

Star Jones had open-heart surgery in 2010. In August, Rosie O’Donnell had a heart attack.  In September, Michael Clark Duncan passed away from a heart attack.   As a result of their celebrity, you may have learned a little bit more about heart disease or heart health.

I learned more about heart disease because of my friend.

Meet Maria.

Go Red Luncheon

Maria and I became friends in 1997.  Over the years, we have lived in the same city. Once for two years, and most recently, for three.  But our friendship has remained constant. Her value in my family’s life during my breast cancer journey cannot be measured.

But want a reason to learn about heart health? Here you go.

Maria’s Mom passed away at 53 from a heart attack, with no physical warning.  In fact, she visited her doctor a week before her death.

Maria’s Grandmother died at 30 from a heart attack.

Maria’s Aunt died at 42 of a heart attack.

Maria’s Uncle died at 55 from a heart attack.

Maria’s Dad had a heart attack at 63, and stroke just a few weeks ago.

Fortunately, he lived.

Maria tracks her heart palpitations on occasion, with a monitor.

This is not just one family’s story.   It is the story of our community.  High blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight issues, diabetes, and medicines to treat various health issues contributed in some way to each of her loved ones’ deaths.  Do any of those issues sound familiar?  If you don’t know anyone with these symptoms, you are indeed blessed.

Maria became committed early on to living a full life, by learning her risks, and by educating others.  It is because of Maria SHARING HER STORY that I am now an American Heart Association Ambassador.  Maria often gives speeches on heart health, and hosts an annual heart health party in February. Recently, she said the most frustrating thing for her is that people like to live in a bubble.  Friends refuse to take control of their own lives.  We both marvel at how people still think heart disease is for “old people”.  Maria’s one wish is that young people realize we can live, and eat differently from our parents.

Agreed. Heart Disease doesn’t have to be a part of our lives. So do something.  Control your risk factors:

  • Manage your blood pressure.
  • Reduce your cholesterol intake.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Walk. Run. Take the stairs. MOVE!
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Watch your blood sugar level if you have diabetes.

The best part of taking control of your risk factors is that it is free!  Heart Health is a lifestyle.  Maria is a shining example.  She is teaching her daughter to break the cycle. It really is something to see an 11 year old checking the labels. Not for calories, but for carbs, sugar and salt content.  That’s what I’m talking about!

To my chagrin, it is often necessary for celebrities to “create buzz” in order for people to pay attention to an issue.  Well, Maria is my celebrity! I’m paying attention. How about you?

Tags: , , ,

%d bloggers like this: