I had big plans for February. And life frankly had other plans. 🤣
But ironically, my goal of focusing on the heart would turn out to be more important than I had expected.
In February, I did quite a bit of reading on the cardiovascular system. I had always thought of heart attacks and strokes as happening more frequently to men. But as it turns out, cardiovascular diseases and events do not discriminate based on gender and are the number one killer for both men and women in the United States.
And in late February, I found out that my mom had been hospitalized with what they suspected was her fourth stroke.
Luckily after few days of worry and wondering if I should hop on a plane, it turned out to be a series of symptoms that mimicked Parkinson’s like symptoms, but was neither a stroke or Parkinson’s. Yes, I went down a pretty deep rabbit hole on Parkinson’s too, but we’ll talk about that another time.
Regardless of this latest incident, I do have a family history of stroke. A stroke is a cardiovascular caused/related event.
So what am I doing as a 38 year old woman, and what practical things can you be doing to lessen your chances of heart attack and stroke?
✅ Prioritizing Movement – Regular physical activity improves heart health, reduces blood pressure, and boosts circulation. (#MoveInMarch2025!)
✅ Eating for Heart Health – Omega-3-rich foods like salmon, fiber-filled choices like oatmeal, and antioxidant-packed options like blood oranges all play a role. (Recipes and inspiration coming soon!)
✅ Managing Stress – Chronic stress contributes to heart disease. Meditation, deep breathing, or even getting outside for fresh air can help. (Thank goodness for temperatures starting to come above freezing again!)
✅ Knowing Your Numbers – Keeping an eye on blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels gives you better control over your heart health.
✅ Quality Sleep – Poor sleep is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Your number is personal based on your needs, but 7-9 hours a night is ideal.
✅ Community & Support – Heart health isn’t just physical—it’s mental and emotional too. Building strong connections and a support system can be vital.
As we approach the end of February, I apologize for not delivering on the posts that I was planning to share during February. But heading into March and #MoveInMarch2025, I will be sharing those in the upcoming weeks. I hope you’ll follow along and join me!
Living Wildly Well 