Happy Heart Month!

Each February we focus on Women’s Heart Health – to build awareness, improve treatment, and end research disparities.

Over the past ten years, we’ve done a pretty good job!  Most women recognize heart disease as the number one killer of women of all ages.

Are you putting your heart as your #1 priority?

To celebrate Heart Month 2012 – here are 12 ways you can Embrace Your Heart. Share them with a woman you love and ask her to take care of #1 (her heart)!

• Wake Up! The majority of women don’t know their own personal risk of heart disease. Take the time of get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked and have a conversation about your family history, weight, and lifestyle with a medical professional.
• Know The Signs: Women’s symptoms of heart attack can be very subtle. Any unusual pain in your jaw, neck, shoulder, torso – really anywhere from the top of your head to your hips – can be a symptom of heart attack.  Uncomfortable pressure, burning or squeezing in your chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold sweat, and nausea can all be symptoms as well.  Play it safe – call 911 and get help right away.
• Call A Friend: Stress increases your risk of heart disease – one easy way to reduce stress is to talk to a friend.  Women who maintain positive relationships with other women reduce their risk by 30%! Girl talk is good for your heart!
• Pet A Friend: Another great stress reducer is to pet a dog or cat.  Yes, our furry friends are good for the heart too!
• Indulge! Adult life can be so serious – take time to indulge in something you enjoy – especially if it makes you laugh!  Don’t feel guilty about watching that crazy reality show – if it distracts you and allows you to relax, enjoy!
• Power Nap: Most women do not get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.  A 20-minute nap can do wonders to reduce stress and refresh your body and mind.
• Move Your Bootie! Sitting all day has negative health consequences – get up every hour or two and spend 3 to 5 minutes moving around.  Take a quick walk, stretch, dance around – do something to get your blood pumping.  You’ll return ready to retain more information and be more productive.  More Move Your Bootie tips.
• Drink Water: Perhaps the most overlooked quick health tip – drinking 60 to 80 ounces of water each day.  You need water to maintain healthy blood pressure, regulate body temperature, and keep your body (especially your digestive system) working properly.
• Learn CPR: It’s easy to learn – anyone can be a hero! Watch our CPR Video.
• Have A Carrot: Most women don’t eat enough veggies and fruits.  Keep baby carrots handy, pack an apple or orange for a snack, or enjoy a salad for lunch.  All great ways to pack in more healthy nutrients. Get more nutrition tips here.
• Don’t Smoke: Smoking puts heart disease into overdrive in women. Women who smoke get heart disease 12 to 15 years earlier than women who don’t.
• Join the Fight!Become an advocate for Women and Heart Disease. Lend your voice to make a difference find out how here.

Happy Heart Month – make sure you take time to ask someone you love to take care of her heart!

Eliz Greene works busy people to improve heart health, so they can work well, feel better, and stress less.

She is a heart attack survivor and the author of the Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart as well as 3 other books on wellness. She writes one of the top 50 health and wellness blogs and is a sought-after heart health, stress management, & wellness speaker.

If you are planning a women’s wellness program, workplace wellness program or programs for healthcare professionals check out EmbraceYourHeart.com to see if Eliz would be a good fit with your organization.