In recognition of American Heart Month, this video recognizes the 2nd cause of death among American women. Stroke is a complication of cardiovascular disease, CVD (also known as heart disease). The NYTimes.com “Living with…” video chronicles strokes that resulted from heart disease brought on by years of obesity and Type II Diabetes. While heart attack and congestive heart failure affect the vessels of and ultimately the heart itself, stroke is a result of complications in the vessels that supply the brain instead. This results in localized damage to the brain. Unfortunately, many people still do not recognize the signs of a stroke and therefore delay urgently needed treatment. Because every second without treatment counts, learn these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Watch Living with: Stroke

(videos are listed in reverse chronological order on the right, use mouse to highlight and select video titled “Living with: Stroke”, February 2009)

Sources: americanstrokeassociation.org and more about “NYTimes.com Living With: Stroke“, posted with vodpod

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First Fridays in First Person. One in four women dies from heart disease. It’s the #1 killer of women, regardless of race or ethnicity. While the risk rises in middle age, signs and symptoms are seen in women aged younger than most would expect. Here are two women’s stories.

“I have some risk factors for heart disease: high cholesterol,

Norma's story

age, and family history. I’ve had a lot of friends who have had heart attacks and this has made me aware that I need to take care of myself. You can’t wait until a heart attack happens, by then it’s too late. I try to live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods and finding creative ways to exercise—like dancing.”

“No one, least of all me, was ever really concerned about my

Erin's story

heart health because I didn’t have any risk factors. One day I started coughing and couldn’t stop and went to the emergency room where I was told that I was having a flash pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. So often women tend to put everyone they care for in front of their own needs and ignore the symptoms. To women, I say pay attention to your body, don’t just ignore the symptoms, empower yourself with knowledge—insist on proper cardiac care.”

Not just a man’s issue. National Wear Red Day and The Red Dress symbol was designed to build awareness that women are at risk for heart disease, and motivate them to take action to reduce their risk. So take action by asking your doctor questions about your risk. Then work out an action plan with her to manage those risks.

• Eat smarter. Learn how to prepare and eat heart healthy meals.
• Get moving. Maintain regular regimen of physical activity.
• Quit smoking.
• Manage your high blood pressure and diabetes.
• See your doctor (at least) annually for essential screening tests.

To participate in activities observing National Wear Red Day, keep an eye out for the Heart Truth Road Show or attend a Women’s Heart Health Fair (sponsored by the Sister to Sister Foundation).

Source: www.hearttruth.gov and www.womenshealth.gov

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Featured Health Observance. Since 1963, the Congress has requested that the U.S. President issue an annual proclamation designating February as American Heart Month to recognize the important ongoing fight against heart disease.

American Heart Month is an excellent opportunity for all Americans to take the time to learn more about heart health and effective methods for reducing their risk factors for serious heart conditions. Healthy choices can help us all live longer and richer lives.

In keeping with the broader theme of love (symbolized, of course by the heart) we will also feature the following health observances this month so keep an eye out for ways to take part and educate yourself around these issues.

February 6. National Wear Read Day
February 6. National Women’s Healthy Heart Campaign
February 7. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 14. National Donor Day

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