Knowledge: Take it to HEART!

Whether you’re 19 yrs old, 79 yrs old, or 29 like me (glances over shoulder for lightning bolt), it would be foolish not to start paying more attention to your heart and its well-being.  Today works for me, how about you?!

Fast Facts about Heart Health:

1. Heart disease is the number 1 killer of American women. Number 1!
2. Secondhand smoke kills.  While in a smoke-filled room, the blood vessels of a nonsmoker are as damaged as those of a person who smokes 2 packs a day!
3. Know the signs of a heart attack:  chest discomfort, shortness of breath, pressure in the upper abdomen, unusual fatigue, pressure in the neck, jaw and arm, sweating, light-headedness, and fainting.
4. A spokeswoman for the American Heart Association warns that a person might actually experience signs of an impending heart attack as much as 6 weeks beforehand.  She warns anyone experiencing less intense versions of the symptoms above to see the doctor without hesitation.
5. If you are at risk for heart disease, or if you have it already, the American Heart Association recommends that you do the following everyday:

• Exercise - it reduces heart attacks risk by 25 - 30 percent.
• Eat oatmeal
• Add an ounce of flaxseed to your cereal
• Take baby aspirin
• Use your head when you choose your bread.  White bread (and pasta, for that matter) make insulin levels spike.  This can eventually damage the blood vessels leading to your heart.  Whole grains are metabolized more slowly - no spiking, making them a much healthier choice.

While I’m harping on health, there’s a nice little article waiting for you on the other side of the following link:  Ten Things That Age You 

Have an unbelievably awesome Friday!

Joi