World Heart Day is September 29...Please Take Care of Yours
Since 2014 I’ve been taking World Heart Day to remind everyone to not only take care of your heart but for YOU to be the one to listen to what your body is telling you.
About 610,000 people die of heart disease in
The United States each year.
Each year I urge others to pay attention to what their body is telling them. If one person starts to take charge of their own body, I will be a happy camper.
I’ve shared this story before but if you haven’t read it, I hope you will and understand that we all have to be vigilant about our own health.
An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2016, representing 31% of all global deaths.
Over 20 years ago, my husband, Larry, knew something was wrong. He had all kinds of tests from the cardiologist as well as the gastroenterologist and every test came up negative. During that time, Larry continued to pursue his activities, including diving. After 4 months, we decided to become more proactive and demanded a more invasive angiogram.
As it turned out, he had a 99% blockage in the right artery. (thankfully not the left, which is known as the widow maker) Two stents were placed in the artery.
Then 5 years ago, Larry was feeling funny and remembered some of the symptoms he’d had before.
After several trips to the doctor, and 2 trips to the emergency room, and more negative tests, we strongly requested an angiogram. They listened and his 3rd stent was put in.
Listen to your body.
Take charge of your medical care.
If something doesn’t feel right...that’s what you listen to.
Know the warning signs for men as well as the warning signs for women. And women, we are the first ones to take care of our loved ones and the last ones to care for ourselves. Change that!
Diet alone won’t get you there. Exercise daily, get a Fitbit and see for yourself how much walking you really do, rid yourself of the stress (or stressful people) in your life, and learn to savor the moment.
One more thing...Never be afraid to call 911 if you think you are having a heart attack or other heart-related issue.
God willing, I will be back next year to continue to nag you about your health!!!
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