Women's Heart Health Week: Awareness, Prevention & Symptoms

The first week of February is Women's Heart Week. A third of all deaths in women are attributed to heart disease. Women's Heart Disease Week was created to bring awareness of how this disease affects women. The focus is prevention, education, symptoms awareness and early intervention. Observing Women's Heart Week is all about these focuses.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn about the signs and symptoms of heart disease. These can range from chest pains, shortness of breath and nausea. The more you know of the symptoms the more likely you are to recognize them.

• 2

  Stop smoking and encourage other women to stop smoking. Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease. Women who stop smoking are lessening their risk for heart disease.

• 3

  Speak with your doctor about starting an exercise program. Walking is an excellent example. There are walks you can participate in to promote Women's Heart Week.

• 4

  Review your diet. Cut down on saturated fats and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. Be aware of the salt content in the foods you eat. Maintain a healthy weight. These are all risk factors that you can control.

• 5

  Manage your stress levels. While stress is a part of everyday life, it can be an overwhelming risk factor for heart disease. Exercise and meditation may help control your stress levels.

• 6

  Schedule your yearly health screening. There are organizations that provide free women's heart screenings this week.

• 7

  Observe Women's Heart Week by spreading the word to other women. Tell others about the importance of heart health. Walk with a friend. Share healthy eating recipes with a friend. Share the education you receive during Women's Heart Week with others.