Go Red
As women we take care of our families, and friends. We nurture careers, and grow businesses, all while shouldering the weight of the world. As a result we often neglect ourselves, and our health suffers.
Last year I was shocked to learn, the number one killer of women is not breast cancer, or any other form of cancer, but heart disease.
Although I am not a smoker, not obese, and I don’t have diabetes, I checked “yes” to several of the other risk factors. I’m an African American, with high blood pressure, a semi-stressful life, and a family history of high cholesterol.
African American women have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, and stroke, than white women, where Hispanic women also have unique factors.
Since learning I don’t have to be “OLD” to be affected by heart disease, I visit the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women website often. There I’ve found a wealth of information, as well as resources. Today, I’m all about prevention.
The best prevention tip for me is knowing my numbers: Cholesterol, LDL – the bad, and the HDL; Blood Pressure, BMI, and Waist circumference. Go Red For Women also offers information to be Heart Healthy At Any Age.
Earlier this year, I decided to take care of myself, like I take care of others, no one else will. What will you do for you?
Connect with LaTonya at 40s-Reasons To Live, Love and Laugh Out Loud, and Twitter.
Photo Credit: www. yessy.com
