REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HEART ATTACK AND STROKE

UNDERSTAND THE RISK

Heart Disease is the No. 1 cause of death for men and women in the U.S. And, Stroke is the No 3 cause. This means it's important for you to do everything you can to reduce your risk and prevent a heart attack or stroke.

Learn about the things that increase your risk and take steps to make changes. Even if you've already had a heart attack or stroke, it's not too late to improve your health and prevent future damage to your heart or brain.



KNOW YOUR RISK

Your risk of a heart attack or stroke increases if you:

• have high blood pressure
• 
  
• have high cholesterol
• 
  
• have a family history of heart attack, stroke, or heart disease
• 
  
• have had a heart attack or stroke
• 
  
• are overweight or obese
• 
  
• have diabetes
• 
  
• smoke

If you've already had a heart attack or stroke, then you know it's important to prevent having another one in the future. Lifestyle changes and taking medications can reduce your risk. It's important to make a treatment plan with your doctor and stick to it.



Personal and Close to Home ~~~
This past weekend Saturday and Sunday consecutively two of my dear friend's husbands had 'heart attacks'. It was very scary there for a while for all of us. These men are 55 and 58 (not very old in the scheme of things) One was dealing with extremely high blood pressure; the other, this was his 3rd heart attack and he had also undergone open heart surgery about 3 years ago. Both were diagnosed with a blocked coronary artery (arteries that service the heart).



What Happens

1. Over time, high blood pressure can damage your artery walls and cause them to harden and thicken.
2. Plague, which consists of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances, can build up in the damaged lining of an artery. Over time, it narrows and blocks the artery. As this plaque continues to build, the artery becomes narrower, harder and less flexible. This reduces blood flow to the artery.
3. Eventually, the plaque cracks. If this happens, platelets, which are particles in the blood, clump together on or near the crack and can form a clot, thus cutting off the blood flow to the heart or brain - thus leading to a heart attack or stroke.

WARNING SIGNS
Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke are not the same for everyone. Also signs of a second heart attack or stroke may be different from those a person experienced the first time.


HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS

• pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw or stomach
• pain or discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
• pressure, squeezing or fullness in the chest
• shortness of breath
• nausea, vomiting, cold sweat or dizziness

STROKE SYMPTOMS

• sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm or leg on one side of your body
• trouble walking or dizziness
• sudden confusion or trouble speaking
• loss of vision in one or both eyes
• sudden, severe headache
• 
  

NOTE: Women's Symptoms May be Different
In addition to the symptoms listed above, Women may also experience such things as:
- unusual fatigue
- sleep disturbance and anxiety 'weeks' before a heart attack

Minutes Matter - Every Second Counts...
If you or a loved one or someone you know are experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, have someone drive you or them to the nearest emergency room or in most cases CALL 911. Many people waste valuable time thinking the symptoms aren't serious, but it's important to take action as soon as your symptoms appear. About 50 percent of people who die from a heart attack die within one hour of the onset of symptoms. And, it's no different for stroke patients --every minute that passes increases your risk of serous brain damage or disability.


REDUCE YOUR RISK
10 Lifestyle Changes that You Can Make to Reduce Your Risk of a Heart Attack or Stroke.

1. Reduce High Blood Pressure. If you have high blood pressure, make a plan with your doctor to lower it. Work with your doctor to reduce your current blood pressure.

2. Reduce High Cholesterol. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes and medications that can help you get your cholesterol under control.

3. Lose Weight. If you have extra body fat --- especially around your waist--- your risk increases. Losing just 10 pounds can reduce your risk. Make sure to talk to your docor before beginning a wight loss or exercise plan.

4. Be Active. Start slowly and add minutes to your workout everyday. Try to make exercise part or your daily routine. If you have had trouble sticking to an exercise plan in the past, choose activities that you enjoy and recruit friends and family to join you. If you miss a day, don't be discouraged -- just start again the next day.

5. Control your Diabetes. Monitor your blood glucose. The American Diabetes Association recommends that your A1C (the test that measures your average glucose over two or three months) be below 7 percent.

6. Quit Smoking. If you smoke, your risk of having a heart attack doubles. But, after just 24 hours of quitting, your risk goes down. After one year, your risk is half that of a smoker, and after 15 years, your risk will be the same as that of a nonsmoker.

7. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Use. Limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day for women (two for men). One drink is equal to 12 oz of beer, 4 oz o wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor.

8. Reduce Stress. High stress levels can contribute to heart disease. Take steps to reduce stress in your life, and consider practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation or getting a periodic massage.

9. Eat a Healthy Diet. Talk to your doctor abut developing a plan to help you eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and low in sodium. Read nutritional labels on packaged food, and pay close attention to total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.

10. Talk Openly to Your Doctor. It's normal to experience anger, guilt or depression after having a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor can help.

For additional information and resources visits the Websites below:

- American Heart Association ~~ http://www.americanheart.org/
- American Stroke Association ~~ www.strokeassociation.org


Information from Healthy Advise for You and Your Family - 2008 Healthy Advise Networks...


To Your Health & Success !
Miss Julia, Your Personal Success Coach
Licensed Professional Nurse
Proud Member ~My VM Team ~ My VM Team Majic

Is Over Fifty Over the Hill For Dating?

So you are over fifty and you find yourself suddenly single and now looking to enter the dreaded over fifty dating scene. Are you 'flogging a dead horse' trying to find a relationship when you are in your fifties or, horror of horrors, in your sixties?

Thankfully - no, at 50 plus or 60 plus, you have 20 or 30 (or more) years ahead of you and you can certainly still find love in your fifties. There are more and more people in their forties, fifties and sixties who have lost a loved one through bereavement, divorce, or other reason, and are now newly back on the singles scene. And how that scene has changed since they last looked!

Thankfully the 40 plus, over 50's and 60 plus dating arena has now been more comprehensively covered by the internet, with many web sites specializing in the needs of this group of people. There is a whole new generation of web users known as silver surfers, who are people who are now in their prime and surfing the net. This group of people are now extremely well served by fifty plus dating internet provision with many web sites now offering very comprehensive services to these users.

Of course, just because you are over forty, fifty or sixty, it doesn't mean that your chosen date has to be in the same age bracket. Again, the most comprehensive web sites will enable the visitor to search for prospective partners in different age brackets so as to widen the field of available dates.

One fifty plus web site that allows this facility is http://www.inyourprimedating.com where the visitor can search for prospective dates in a variety of different age groups to give the maximum choice. Dianne Hunter is a long term specialist in relationships and dating Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dianne_Hunter

Article Submitted On: June 05, 2009

WHAT’S AGE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

AGE MILESTONES (What's Your Number?)

(50, 60, 70 Any age is really just a Number!)
From the moment we are born we go through “points in time” or “milestones”. We become toddlers at 2, ready for 1st grade at 6, teenagers at 13, young adults at 18, adulthood at the ‘milestone’ age of 20 and full legal adulthood at the age of 21.

As life goes on we reach other ‘age milestones’ ~ 30, 40 and the grand monarch of them all 50. Of course at 20 ~ 50 appears ancient. There seems to be a notion that once you reach 50 then life is supposed to be downhill. NOT SO!!. If most of your life has been devoted to others, your family your career etc. and you never really got a chance to do some of the things that you really wanted to do ~~ then NOW is the time.

You may want to go back to school or change careers altogether. Perhaps you have thought about starting a home based business. Do you have hobbies or other areas that you enjoy and that you are really passionate about? You can turn these hobbies and passions into a way to mentor and train others or even to earn extra money. Look into your soul and discover your God-given talents and gifts. No matter where you are in life, your gifts can take you many places.


STOP BEING AFRAID OF THE INTERNET!!

There are many online resources that can help you pursue your dreams and goals. ~~~ just get out there are look for them. Become affiliated with Social Networks and Chat Rooms that deal with your particular interests and concerns.. The Internet is a very exciting place to be .

So no matter where you are right now ~~ 50 and Fabulous, 60 and Sexy, 70 and Sensational - I say again ~ “What’s Age Got to Do With It?”


To your Best Age Now! Julia Gray ~ Fabulous at 50+

Visit us at TheFiftyPlusCrowd or SavySeniorsOnline

10 Tips to Help You Stay Young and Live a Fuller, Happier, Healthier Life ~~

While eating healthy and exercising are proven ways for living a healthier life; there are other things that you can do to help you live a longer, fuller more fun-filled life. And remember no matter what your age you are still 'aging'...

Consider incorporating these 10 tips or at least some of them into your daily lifestyle - share with family and friends; you may even want to pass these along to fellow co-workers.


Here's to a Fuller, Longer Life for You ...

1. GET A FURRY FRIEND
Owning a pet can help reduce blood pressure, lower stress and lessen how often you go to the doctor... as well as provide a loving companion.

2. TRY GARDENING
You can lower your stress level and blood pressure simply by being around plants. So take a stroll around a beautiful garden, or spruce up your home or office with some plants.

3. LAUGH MORE
Laughter is a great way to relieve stress and relax blood vessels. Plus, laughing makes you feel good (how simple is that?).

4. DO SOMETHING NICE
People who are active in their community and give more than they receive feel healthier than those who don't. Clean up your local park or help your neighbor..or maybe just listen to a friend.
These are called --> Random Acts of Kindness... Give One -- Get One.

5. SING YOUR FAVORITE SONG (Out Loud!)
Music is more than something you can enjoy---it can also improve your immune system. So don't be afraid to sing your favorite song...your body will thank you for it.

6. RELAX A LITTLE
Some stress if fine--- and unavoidable---but too much can increase your blood pressure and damage your immune system. Plus, stress for long periods of time can prevent injuries from healing and even affect our brain functions ( like learning, memory and mood).

7. GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Sleeping too little or too much can increase your chances of heart problems, diabetes and obesity so make sure you get the right amount ---about seven to eight hours.

8. THINK POSITIVELY
People who have a positive attitude generally have a longer life than those who don't. So try to look on the bright side... you might live longer because of it.

9. HAVE SOME DARK CHOCOLATE
Not only is dark chocolate a tasty treat, it is also good for you. That's because it is high in antioxidants that are good for your heart.

10. GET A MASSAGE
A nice message is a great way to relax and just make yourself feel better. It also helps with circulation and muscle tone. So lay down, relax and enjoy!


You have probably seen these tips before and many others like them ---have you implemented any yet? If not, just regroup and start now with these--- remember "a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step".

If you have already started your 'thousand' mile journey then stay on course and visit Miss Julia's Guide to Healthy Living for more information and tips to help you along the way.


~~~ If you have any tips on how to live longer or any advice on what has helped you live a fuller life please feel free to leave a comment and we will pass it on~~~


HEALTHY LIVING - TIPS - FACTS & INFO

HEALTH TIP: ---> Eating fruits and dark red, green and yellow vegetables increases the vitamins in your body which help you build a healthy immune system. This helps fight viruses and infections. A cup of yogurt a day is also beneficial. It can reduce your susceptibility to colds by 24 percent.

DID YOU KNOW?
Cranberries, raspberries and strawberries all contain antioxidants to help prevent against diseases and premature aging. Plus, you get valuable doses of fiber from their skins and seeds.

CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTS
Ask your health care provider about dietary supplements that can help to improve your health and your overall well being.


To Your Health & Success!
Miss Julia, Licensed Professional Nurse
Proud Member of MyVMTeam

Visit me online @ JuliaGrayonLine.com
or
Google Me --> JuliaGrayonLine


Information from :
"Prevention's Anti-Aging Guide: How to take off 10 years or more--and look and feel better than ever" by Andreas von Bubnoff and Joanna Lloyd, www.prevention.com