Go Red!

A couple of friends and I were joking a while ago about how gravity is so cruel to women. One said, “You know you’re getting older when you have to bend over forward to put your bra on.” The other one replied: “You know you’re getting older when you need a bra for your butt.”

It's hell getting older when you’re female. The older a woman gets, the more invisible she gets, even if she puts on enough weight to stop a bus.

Heart disease has long been considered a man’s problem. But the gender bias that made heart disease a man’s problem has shifted focus. More women than men now die from heart disease. Lots more. Heart disease is the number one killer of American women.

While we can’t do much about gravity, we can take steps to avoid heart disease.
The American Heart Association has once again launched their February campaign to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke among women. They're focusing on the softer side with this campaign, telling women that as nurturers, they must protect their hearts.

The symbol for this campaign is that little red dress - presumably the reward for following the AHA’s advice. If you incorporate their recommendations into your daily life, maybe you too can fit into an impossibly sexy little red dress - and help your heart at the same time.

First, know the symptoms of a heart attack. Researchers believe women may not recognize what is happening because the familiar TV chest-clutching scenario is rarely in play. For instance, women (and men) may break out in cold sweats or be short of breath before chest discomfort starts. They may feel nauseous or lightheaded. It’s important to know that just because you don’t feel actual pain, you shouldn’t dismiss your discomfort.

And there are ways to reduce your risk. We could do this in unison: Altogether now! Exercise more! Quit smoking! Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked and lower them if needed! Your doctor can tell you how.

And don’t assume that just because you don’t feel tense that your blood pressure is not high. I hear that all the time—people say they can “tell” when their blood pressure is high. YOU CAN'T TELL. You can, in fact, be reading a book or taking a long, relaxing soak in the tub and still have dangerously high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly and follow your doctor’s advice.

Take care of your heart. If you don’t, who will?