Hi everyone! Happy Friday!
Today isn’t any old Friday. It’s Go Red for Women Day. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and more deadly than any form of cancer. In an effort to raise awareness, the American Heart Association started the Go Red campaign a few years ago.
Heart disease is near and dear to my heart (pun intended) since I work with cardiac patients daily. I don’t talk about my job that much on here due to patient confidentiality laws but it’s something that I feel strongly about. Don’t think heart disease is something that only happens as you get older. Over the years, the population that I see in rehab has changed dramatically. No longer is it only the 80 year old Grandpa or Grandma. I’ve seen patients in their 20s and 30s who are of normal weight, active and eat well. Know your risk factors and don’t deny your symptoms.
And for women, your symptoms may not be the typical movie chest clutching “I’m having a heart attack” signs. They can be:
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Pain in arm, neck, jaw or back
- Stomach pain
- Shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness
- Cold, clammy sweating
- Fatigue with doing even little activity
I’m wearing red today for all women but also for a special blogger friend, Krysten. She’s having more surgery for her robot heart today…such a strong, inspiring woman. Best of luck to her and a speedy recovery!
The Countdown
These days I’m sticking with my plan of strength, yoga and cross training for optimizing my health and staying injury free. I do not want to be sidelined again even if it is 2 weeks! I’ve been in my workout “lab” (i.e. basement) cooking up some great workouts. Here’s one I did recently that left me sweating and feeling strong!
This workout is less than 15 minutes. Repeat countdown 2-3x times if you want more of a workout (or if your legs can handle it!).
Have a great weekend everyone! Apparently, I’m doing the Mid Winter Classic 10 Miler on Sunday. How did that sneak up on me???
RCW3AN6YE6HP
I knew a 24 year old who had just got out of the Marine corps, he was in great shape, who had CABGx4. Absolutely crazy to see someone so young with heart disease.
Amy recently posted..Wordless Wednesday 30 Jan 13
I see it more and more now – people in great shape and eat relatively ok. Makes me wonder what’s causing this?
I think it has a lot to do with chemicals we are exposed to daily. They’re every where and the combination can just be to much for our bodies to handle.
Amy recently posted..Wordless Wednesday 30 Jan 13
So many restaurants are honoring people wearing red today, love the cause!
Kat recently posted..Ready to be a Warrior!
Great reminders about the heart attack symptoms. I think it’s something women don’t think much about – I know I really don’t to be honest.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Thoughts and Thanks
You won’t believe the stories I hear from people (especially women) about how their heart attack happened. It really was the last thing that they thought was happening. I’m sure you can relate with your blood clot. Did you ever think that would happen? I know I wouldn’t!
Thanks for sharing this. It’s really important to raise awareness about this!
Good luck this Sunday!
Kierston recently posted..#RECIPEFRIDAY: Chicken & Broccoli Muffin Bites!
Thanks for sharing that about heart health. So important!
Good luck with the race. You’ll do great!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..The Cowfish
Thank you!
Oh, I’m pinning that workout! Always looking for ways to add in more strength, and mix up my routine. Good luck in the ten miler!!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Friday Favorites and Sparkly Soul Headband Giveaway
Great reminders and such an important post for all women
Jen recently posted..Come on February!
Wow, had no idea you worked with cardiac patients. So cool. My dad has hx of heart disease so I’ve always been drawn to that population too. Pinning this workout! Have a fabulous weekend.
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted..Eating Healthy When Dining Out
Heart Disease is scary, so I love posts like this that encourage us to do things to reduce our risk. Diet & exercise are things we can control, although it may not be a cure, it’s a huge step in the right direction.
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..February Fun: 28-Day Blog Challenge
Definitely! No matter if you have a family history or not, you need to watch what you eat and MOVE!
As someone who has a family that has battled against different heart issues this is an extremely important reminder! Thank you for the post…AND the workout! So going to try that set out!
Amy Bodnar @ It’s All About the Journey recently posted..January Wrap Up – CONSISTENCY is the Word of the Month
You’re welcome!
Such an important message…I have lots of heart problems in my family, so it’s something I’ve always been worried about.
Good luck with your race this weekend!! Hope it’s not too cold!
Kim @ Healthy Nest recently posted..Today’s THE DAY + {lululemon gift card giveaway!}
It really is something we all need to be aware of especially if you have a strong family history. You can’t change your genes but you can control other risk factors.
Thanks for the luck! I don’t think it’s the cold…it may be snowing though!
I just pinned that workout – I love it, can’t wait to try it.
Lindsay recently posted..high five friday #8: new moves, new foods.
Let me know what you think when you do!
I just heard about this from a friend of mine and quickly shared about it on Twitter and Facebook! Not sure if you saw, but Macy’s is also supporting this cause with the sale of their Red Dress pins http://bit.ly/MacysGoesRed from January 3oth- February 14th!
Noelle McKenzie recently posted..Super Bowl snack on this #healthbowl
Macy’s has been a huge sponsor for Go Red for years. Love them!
Great tips on women’s heart attack symptoms! I wore my red today!!
Your work-out looks great (I need to figure out how to bookmark it for later).
Kim recently posted..50-mile race, Firm in February, 5th graders & Fun Friday!!!
Woohoo for wearing red!
See you Sunday!
AmyC recently posted..Chilly Challenge Winner!
Ok. What are air squats and lateral shuffles? I’m still trying to work up the courage to try a wall handstand.
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted..Go Red for Women + Getting Back to It
Here’s a tutorial for each:
Air Squats: http://youtu.be/iOdwETDQXCw
Lateral Shuffles: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/lateral-shuffle-and-reach
Thanks for the reminder I need to be doing a vlog with these workouts!
Great reminder about women and heart disease. I hate the we still often think of it as a man’s disease!
Good luck on your race!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Strange But Good Fruit
Great reminders! I was just reading yesterday about how to help prevent heart disease and luckily as fit women, we are on the right track to keeping it away. However it is so sad that so many women don’t know or care to take the steps to prevention. Eating healthy, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight are all so crucial in preventing this deadly disease. I wish more women would realize how serious and important it is to take care of themselves! Great workout too and good luck tomorrow! You are so awesome for running in the freezing cold like you do!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome recently posted..Fitness Friday + Wine of the Week
Yay for doing what it takes to stay injury free! Good luck with your race today.
Love the workout!
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Menu Planning || Are Superfoods On Your Menu?
Totally pinning this workout. Looks great and um, maybe a little painful?
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Friday Round-Up: Giving it your all