by Steve Kelley, originally uploaded by the Health Advocate.

It is simply undeniable, our diets really do affect our health and overall risk for disease. This week, cartoonist Steve Kelley reminds us.

Tomorrow, March 12 is World Kidney Day. Last month we discussed how heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. Unfortunately, too few Americans realize that chronic kidney disease is another life-threatening illness that often goes undetected until it reaches very advanced stages. Two common conditions that can lead to or exacerbate chronic kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes. Take some time on World Kidney Day to learn more about what your kidneys do for you and what you can do for your kidneys (to keep them healthy). Also, don’t forget as we focus on nutrition this month that both high blood pressure and type II diabetes can be significantly controlled, if not alleviated with the right type of diet and regular moderate to intense physical activity (consult your doctor for specific recommendations).

Learn More:

Take these 6 Steps for protecting your kidneys and your health.

10 Facts about Diabetes and Kidney Disease

10 Facts about High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease

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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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