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A Guide to Preventive Health Care for Women
March 21, 2022
February is not only the month of love; it’s also American Heart Month. This year, Advantage Care Health Centers encourages all women to give themselves the gift of a healthier heart. Learn the ins and outs of women’s heart health today to start living your best life.
How to Strengthen and Protect Your Heart
Heart health is not just a men’s issue. On average, one in three women dies from cardiovascular disease. To protect your heart, learn vital tips about women’s heart health.
1) Lifestyle Habits
While genetics and family history play a role in heart health, your lifestyle also has a considerable impact on it. One of the most effective ways to lower your risk of poor heart health is to change your lifestyle. A few actions you can take to lower your risk of poor heart health include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.
2) Stress Levels
While stress is a part of life, women tend to experience it more often.
Chronic stress can contribute to health conditions and unhealthy behaviors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and overeating, which may increase the risk of heart disease.
The good news is that there are many ways to cope with stress, including:
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Exercising
- Eating healthy food
- Meditating
- Talking to a friend or counselor
Stress reduction techniques like these are highly recommended to improve women’s heart health.
3) Sleep Habits
Not getting enough sleep does much more than leaving you tired in the morning. Getting less than six or seven hours of sleep each night directly correlates to increasing the risk of developing heart disease. Poor sleep has also been linked to high blood pressure, which is found in nearly half of all adults.
4) Schedule Regular Visits to Your Health Center
Annual check-ups are an essential part of safeguarding your overall health and well-being. During a physical, your doctor will assess your heart health and determine if any necessary actions should be taken.
Your health care professional can help you keep tabs on important heart health numbers, including cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Also, discuss any family history of heart disease or any other concerns that you may have. Be open to having a conversation with your doctor and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The more you can learn about women’s heart health, the better off you will be.
5) Know the Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Compared to men, women typically experience a broader range of heart attack symptoms, such as chest discomfort, chest pressure, and shortness of breath
However, they may experience other symptoms as well, including:
- Back pain, typically on the left side
- Jaw or neck pain
- Fullness in the stomach
- Shoulder pain
- Nausea/indigestion
- Fainting
- Extreme fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Advantage Care Health Centers Works to Enhance Women’s Heart Health
If improving heart health was on your list of New Year’s resolutions, then it might be time to check in with our team of compassionate health care professionals. Advantage Care Health Centers provides comprehensive services to both men and women at our two locations in Brookville and Freeport.
Contact us today to get started on your wellness journey.
