Yes, it’s that time of the year again when we take time to honor ourselves and our health through the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign. It’s a great time to remind ourselves that we need to take care of ourselves, instead of just giving selflessly to those around us, because we know that doing so will help us stay around for our loved ones longer.
Did you know that:
- Heart disease causes 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute.
- 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
- Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease and the gap between men and women’s survival continues to widen.
- The symptoms of heart disease can be different in women vs. men, and are often misunderstood.
- While 1 in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, 1 in 3 dies of heart disease.
- On average, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than non-Hispanics.
- Only 1 in 3 Hispanic women are aware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer.
Si (Yes), heart disease is our No. 1 killer. I don’t know about you, but even after needing to have open heart surgery when I was 5 to repair a heart murmur, based on the news, I would have guessed cancer was a bigger culprit. This is why it’s so important to lead a healthy lifestyle. I know, I know, easier said than done, trust me. If you follow along you know that clean eating and intuitive eating are my goal, but not my norm – yet. The key is to be gentle with yourself as you start to make changes and love yourself through out the process, regardless of where it may lead you. But don’t take my word for it. Check out what these women have to say about it.
Here are a few suggestions the American Heart Association has posted for getting on the healthy track if you’re not already there.
- Slow down on the sodium: Americans eat more than double the daily amount of sodium recommended by the American Heart Association. Too much sodium increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems, but this excess isn’t just from salting at the table. Americans get most of their sodium — 77 percent — from processed foods. If you choose these foods, compare the labels and look for lower-sodium versions.
- Pile on the fruits and vegetables: Choose all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Look for fruits and vegetables of many different colors. The American Heart Association has tasty recipes packed with such items as tofu, broccoli, mushrooms and much more.
- Get the skinny on fats: Learn how to substitute good fats (mono and polyunsaturated fats) for bad fats(saturated and trans fats). For example, try canola oil or olive oil instead of butter. Choose lean meats, poultry without skin and fish instead of fattier cuts of meats. Enjoy heart-healthy fats in moderation and remember this tip: 1 teaspoon equals 1 serving.
- Cook at home. Cooking at home is not only a great way to make sure the ingredients are healthy, but portions are correct. Try using a smaller salad-size plate instead of a big dinner plate, as well.
More importantly, we need to spread the word! So please share this information with your familia (family), friends, neighbors, co-workers, the world. Then check out what your community is doing to help raise awareness.
I know that nationwide you can support the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement at Macy’s and CVS.
In San Antonio, the American Heart Association will also host its annual #GoRedSA Luncheon to educate the community to improve their health while raising funds to support heart disease and stroke research. They generally offer health screenings, exhibits, lunch and breakout sessions including a panel discussion of experts in women’s health and a heart-healthy cooking demo so check it out.
The main thing is to make sure you take care of yourself, educate others, and spread the word!
How will you Go Red for Women today?
Digital Content Creator & Multimedia Designer at Your Sassy Self
I'm a Mexican-American, Sassy, Bilingual, Professional Woman with a passion for life long learning, sharing, and living my best life. I'm the founder and digital content creator for Your Sassy Self and work full time as a Multimedia Designer. Let's connect and see how we can change the world...or at least change our perspective of it. 😉
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