We know that you are busy women - working, raising children, taking care of everyone, and trying to find some time to relax. But are you taking care of yourself? Our doctors, nurses, and therapists here at the Knox County Community Health Center have your heart in mind and want to share what we know in order to help you take care of your heart.
Facts:
- Not to be a downer, but did you know heart (cardiovascular) disease is the number one killer of women? That means for women, about 1 in 3 deaths are due to heart disease.
- Heart disease can be prevented for most women with lifestyle, dietary, medication, or other healthy changes.
- Females can be can be at a higher risk for heart issues due to pregnancy, high blood pressure, changes after menopause, and obesity, to name a few.
Heart disease risk factors in women include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Family history of heart disease
- Age
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Stress and depression
- Not being active
Symptoms of a heart attack for women:
Women can have a wider range of symptoms than men, which means that sometimes some of the symptoms might not appear to be signs of a heart attack. It is important for you to listen to and understand your body and seek help when you have any of these symptoms for unexplained reasons.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in jaw, neck, arms, or upper back
- Pain and pressure in the upper abdomen or lower chest
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Unusual fatigue
- Indigestion (Heartburn)
What to do to be heart healthy:
There are some things you can’t control, such as your family history, but there are many things you can control. Knowing these might be just what you need to start loving your heart. Remember to talk with your doctor or our team here at our Knox County Community Health Center locations before making any big changes. This way you can be monitored and get the help and support you need.
- Get annual checkups
- Exercise—take a walk, play outside with your kids, start an exercise program, take the stairs, march in place while watching movies, and more
- Stop smoking (we have a program to help you along this journey!)
- Avoid stressful situations and find healthy ways to cope with them when they happen
- Lower your cholesterol levels
- Understand your family history
- Watch your blood sugar
- Keep your blood pressure under control
- Manage your weight through diet and exercise
- Eat healthy—see below for some great recipe links!
- Get enough sleep—your body needs time to rest and replenish itself
Tips to love yourself and your heart:
- Fix healthy meals! We love the recipes from The American Heart Association and Taste of Home. My Plate and Celebrate Your Plate have great recipes as well.
- Why not have your kids help you in the kitchen? Here are some safe tips for how kids can help you in the kitchen with these tips from The Kitchn.
- Find an exercise partner that you can walk and work out with or someone that can watch your kids while you work out and then you can watch her children.
- Schedule doctor visits and maintain your health.
- Give yourself time to relax and recharge.
We are here and we care about the whole you! Contact us by calling 740-399-8008 to make an appointment at one of our Health Center locations.
Main Site - Knox County Community Health Center
11660 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Health Center
202 W Vine Street, Mount Vernon
Danville Community Health Center
12 East Main Street, Danville