Women at risk...
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women over 65. According to worldwide research, women are 4 to 6 times more likely to die of heart disease than of breast cancer, and heart disease kills more women over 65 than all cancers combined. Women develop heart problems later in life than men -- typically 7 or 8 years later. However, by about age 65, a woman's risk is almost the same as a man's. Right here in Botswana, we see more women than men with high blood pressure, diabetes and related illness. This is frightening, as women are the core of our nation.
Unfortunately, women also tend to ignore the “symptoms” as they are “too busy” to take care of it. So basic symptoms are often put down to being tired or just stress.
The best thing you can do is take a moment to look at your lifestyle: eating habits, exercise or lack of, and how you balance family, work and personal life and health. Find out whether your family has any history of heart disease or hypertension, smoking, diabetes or anything else. Your doctor can then help you plan preventive measures to avoid these problems. Most importantly, take time to check you general health.
You cannot choose who your family is or what illnesses they have passed on, you cannot change your age, but you CAN make lifestyle changes that will protect your health and that of your family.
Smoking Kills. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease in women. More than 50% of the heart attacks in women aged under 50 are related to smoking. If you stop smoking, you can lower your risk of heart attack by one third within 2 years. Isn’t that worth it!
Women who smoke and use birth control pills increase their risk even more. Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to quit smoking. Breathing second hand smoke is also bad for your heart and lungs and you are killing your children too while you are smoking.
High blood pressure. Avoiding high blood pressure can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Keeping your ideal weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet help control high blood pressure.. If these steps don't lower your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend medicine for you to take.
Salt Kills. Research has shown the link between salt and blood pressure regulation. We need to reduce the amount of salt we use in our foods and lesson the risks. (See Healthy Eating)
Control your cholesterol. Diet is a key part of lowering high cholesterol levels. Ask your doctor to check it for you and talk about its effects on your heart.
Watch your weight. Extra weight puts strain on your heart and arteries. Being overweight means you have a higher risk for many other health problems, especially diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Watching your weight takes commitment and determination. But it need not be boring. There are plenty of foods and recipes out there that can keep it interesting and in fact, fun.
Keep Active. Remember, your heart is a muscle and needs regular exercise to stay in shape. Exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, jogging or riding a bike, gets your heart pumping. Gyms offer well rounded programs which can be tailored to your needs, and getting an exercise partner always help keep the motivation up. Remember to check with your doctor if you or your family history show heart disease.
 
Watch what you eat. Many restaurants now serve O or low calorie/fat drinks and meals. Be careful though, check the labels. Find out what your calorie intake should be and how to keep track of it in a busy life.
Be on the lookout for Diabetes. If you have diabetes in the family, regular exercise, weight control, a low-fat diet and regular check-ups are important. If you are on medication for diabetes, be sure to take it exactly as you are instructed.
What about Chest Pain?. Be sure to get checked if you suffer from pain in your chest, shoulder, neck or jaw, or if you experience shortness of breath or nausea that comes on quickly. If you are having a heart attack, the faster you can get to the hospital, the less damage will happen to your heart. Every second counts.
What is your family history? Having a father or brother with heart disease before age 55, or a mother or sister with heart disease before age 65, are factors that contribute to heart disease. Talk to your doctor about your family history and listen to his advice.
The Conclusion Being That….
It’s not as difficult as it sounds. Basically, keep active, eat right, and have regular check ups. You are important, and your family cannot afford to lose you. So get going Ladies! Lets Beat Heart Disease!
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WOMEN'S HEALTH