American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month.  I’d like to take a few minutes to remind all of you that heart disease is the number one killer of women.  It is deadlier than all forms of cancer.  Heart disease is often called “the silent killer” because women often don’t even know that they have heart disease.  I am/was one of those women.  About ten years ago I was at my doctor’s office for an annual check up.  At this appointment, my doctor became alarmed when she took my blood pressure.  It turns out that despite how much exercise I do or how healthy I eat I have high blood pressure due to genetic factors.  I’ve been on a low dose of medication for about ten years now.  My blood pressure is completely under control, and is often quite low.  I was lucky that my doctor caught this for me.  I honestly had no symptoms (or so I thought), except for an occasional headache, which I had always attributed to hormones.

photo: American Heart Association website

Please take a few minutes and visit the American Heart Association website for tons of information about heart disease and stroke.  They teach about signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke.  Know your risk.  Learn how to be healthier.  It could truly save a life if you’re aware and on alert.

During the month of February we can all help increase awareness of heart disease.  Take a selfie while wearing your red and post on Twitter and Instagram.  Use the hashtag #GoRedSelfie and you will also be entered into the American Heart Associations daily sweepstakes.

*This is not a sponsored post.  I’m just trying to help spread awareness about heart disease in women.