September 29th marks World Heart Day. On this day, we as Americans need to acknowledge heart disease and how it’s impacting our lives. However, the biggest group that’s really being impacted by this disease is middle-aged, busy women today. In this post, we’ll learn which actions aren’t beneficial for good cardiovascular health, World Heart Day’s impact on women, and why it’s important for us to keep our heart healthy despite our busy lives.
Why is Heart Health Important for Women?
Heart health is vital for anyone, young and old. Cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death amongst both men and women in America. However, women are seemingly being affected the hardest, due to more than one-third of American women dying of this illness. Reportedly, more women are dying of heart disease each year than breast cancer.
Our heart is an organ that is the center of our lives. If it’s not healthy, our health will be in jeopardy. That’s why it’s important to be current with your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. What are your numbers? Being aware of whether your numbers are too high or not will save your life. Contact your doctor for a medical check-up concerning whether or not you’re at risk for heart disease.
Which is Not a Benefit for Good Cardiovascular Health?
If your cardiovascular health isn’t good, you have to start taking action steps to strengthen it. There are plenty of actions that are considered to not be a benefit for good cardiovascular health. One of those is developing a habit of using nicotine. Whether it’s vaping or cigarette smoking, stay away from anything that’s harmful to your heart and damages your dental health. Also, eating high in cholesterol foods such as processed foods and never engaging in any form of exercise doesn’t benefit your cardiovascular health. Drinking too much alcohol isn’t exactly helpful for your heart as well.
Which Behavior is Most Beneficial to Cardiovascular Health?
Now that we know what not to do to maintain positive cardiovascular health, what behavior is most beneficial to obtaining this? Having a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables could help in reducing heart disease risk. Many people have been following the plant-based diet because it is said to be nutritional for their digestive and heart health. Consider whole grain foods such as quick oats and quinoa instead of foods with processed white flour. Also, be sure to choose healthy sources of protein and limit drinking beverages such as sodas with added sugar.
Staying physically active is also beneficial behavior. Start engaging in some walking around the park or just walking up and down the stairs. Set aside some time after work to go to the gym. Work on combining a healthy diet pattern alongside at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.
World Heart Day Impact on Women
With World Heart Day being acknowledged next Sunday, this day should serve as a reminder for all of us middle-aged women to protect our heart health at all costs. Physicians need to guide their patients in helping them understand the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease. They must inform women of the primary symptoms that may present differently in them. Women must be aware of their symptoms such as their medical history, high blood pressure, and family history of diabetes, among others. However, most of us women are so busy caring for other family and friends that it could be so easy to lose sight of ourselves. If you’re putting yourselves at risk for heart disease by not taking care of yourself first, you’ll be greatly hurting yourself.
Why is it Important for Women to Keep Their Hearts Healthy
As we can see, World Heart Day has just as big of an impact on women as it does on men. Many women are being diagnosed with heart disease today and not being mindful of their blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. Also, the risk of heart disease increases the older we get. But all of us as women shouldn’t wait till we get older to start protecting ourselves. We must begin even at a younger age in keeping this precious organ, which is the center of our lives, healthy and reducing our risk of heart disease.
What actions are you taking to keep your heart healthy? Are you paying attention to your blood pressure and cholesterol levels? Whether you’re diagnosed with heart disease or know somebody who is, feel free to share your thoughts and comments in the section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next woman you know who’s coping with this illness.
