National Heart Health

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Today’s post was written by the incredible Karen Whittier of Embrace Activism in honor of National Heart Health Month.  Thanks a million morsels, Karen!

February is National Heart Disease and Stroke Month.

It’s important for women in particular to be aware of their risks and what they can do to minimize those risks.

Did you know?

1. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States
The risk for heart disease in both women and men is related to high cholesterol,

high blood pressure, and obesity.

There are some risks that are more pronounced in women, such as:
1. Metabolic syndrome
Your shape matters. Fat distributed around the midsection plus high blood
pressure, high blood glucose and high triglycerides equals metabolic syndrome.
Pre-diabetes commonly associates with metabolic syndrome.
Individuals with diabetes suffer from heart disease (or stroke) more than twice
that of non-diabetics.

2. Mental health
Depression affects women more than men. It makes it difficult to maintain
a healthy lifestyle, potentially increasing your risk of heart disease. Another
emotion-related condition is broken heart syndrome. Broken heart syndrome,
an apt name, describes a condition of heart muscle failure that results following
extreme emotional stress.
3. Hormone levels
Estrogen can have a protective aspect for women, with no family history of heart
disease, lowering their risk of heart attack pre-menopause. After menopause
though, the risk is roughly equal to men.

4. Heart attack symptoms are different for women
The main symptom of heart attack is chest pain. However, that’s not always the case,
especially for women. It’s important women recognize these symptoms from the
Mayo Clinic:
*Neck, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
*Shortness of breath
*Nausea or vomiting
*Sweating
*Lightheadedness or dizziness
*Unusual fatigue

5. The heart is a muscle—keep it strong and healthy!
1. Exercise
A muscle must be exercised to stay healthy and functioning properly. Work up to
30 minutes per day of aerobic activity.

2. Reduce stress
Stress is toxic. Yoga is an effective method for reducing stress.
Yoga gives women an avenue to lower the effects of stress;
one that doesn’t involve medication. In fact, incorporating a
healthy lifestyle with a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise,
abstaining from tobacco and including only moderate levels of
alcohol could reduce the amount of medications needed.
Recently there was an article on how yoga helps the heart
specifically for individuals with atrial fibrillation. If you find it
hard to quiet the mind and relax, follow these 6 easy steps
to meditate. It’s easier than you think! To me, meditation
means immersion in the present…my favorite way to meditate?
A moving meditation walking!

3. Don’t smoke

Cigarettes are the only products produced in the US that, when used as intended by the manufacturer, will lead to death. Yes, cigarettes contain tobacco, but are you aware of the hundreds of other additives? Smoking is deadly for women. The American Lung Association highlights the impact smoking has on women.

You depend on your heart to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body, to deliver nutrient-rich blood to the body, don’t let your heart down. Live a heart-friendly lifestyle. Go Red for Women lists several strategies for keeping your heart healthy and strong so the beat(ing) goes on.

Health, Wellness & CURES!!
Karen

Karen Whittier, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) , Chief Activist and founder of Embrace Activism, is passionate about health and wellness.  Embrace Activism is the online source for yoga products with a CAUSE.  Health & eco-friendly as well as socially-conscious, Embrace Activism allows you to do MORE with your practice!  Her blog, On & Off the Mat, shares tips, suggestions and articles on health and wellness topics/  Visit the website at http://www.EmbraceActivism.com

NOW is the time!  All “Shockingly Pink” yoga products are 50% off retail.

Why Embrace Activism?  Embrace Activism products are
1.  Health & eco-friendly materials used for products:  No phthalates or heavy   metals, latex-free
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2.  Comfort & stability emphasized:  Over-sized mats—almost 3x thicker, with a non-slip,
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3.  Supportive of your yoga journey:  Props available to facilitate postures and support alignment

Now is the time to begin your yoga practice.
Now is the time to take control of your health and wellness.
Now is the time to use your practice to fight breast cancer.
Now is the time to add supplies to your yoga studio.
Now is the time to donate yoga products for survivors practicing yoga.

Doing yoga is good for you; Embrace Activism makes doing yoga even better.

Don’t wait, now is the time to shop Embrace Activism! http://www.EmbraceActivism.com/shop

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