Two ways to take part in American Heart Month: wear red, and schedule a heart-health checkup.
Paint your wardrobe red and tell every woman you know: February is American Heart Month. While the entire month is a time for everyone to focus on cardiovascular health, one day in particular speaks the loudest. The first Friday in February is deemed National Wear Red Day® as part of a greater initiative to bring awareness toward women’s heart health. This year, that day falls on Friday, February 3rd.
Mark your calendar, grab your Go Red Gear, and join women across the nation to raise awareness. The Go Red for Women initiative led by the American Heart Association provides free knowledge-packed resources on their website for you to learn and share with others. Because knowledge is one vital key to preventing heart disease.
Heart Disease Causes the Most Deaths in Women
Someone in the United States dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds on average. Heart health is a major concern, and it cares not for age, gender, or race. In fact, heart disease ranks among the top three leading causes of death in the United States for men and women, contributing to over 696,000 deaths in 2020 alone.
However, besides cancer, cardiovascular disease is touted as women’s #1 cause of death. According to the American Heart Association, one out of three women deaths each year is heart-related. This fact alone presents a sobering realization. Women need more knowledge, more awareness, and more accessibility that empowers them to take their cardiovascular health seriously.
Importance of Regular Health Check-ups
Live a long, happy, heart-healthy life by taking steps to ensure your heart is in good shape. One of the best ways to do this is to get regular checkups from your doctor. Generally, women should begin regular heart screenings at around age 20 and follow up every two to four years as needed.
Getting regular checkups helps you identify any potential health issues before they become serious. For example, if your doctor detects high cholesterol levels, they can advise you on lifestyle changes that could reduce your risk of heart disease. If your doctor finds a problem with your heart’s rhythm, they can recommend medication or other treatments to help you manage it.
Showing up to your annual wellness visit at the OB/GYN is just as important. OB/GYNs can identify and treat conditions specific only to women that may raise concerns for heart health. Menstrual cycle irregularity, pregnancy complications, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension or diabetes, pre-term delivery, and small for gestational age babies all tick the box for increased cardiovascular risk.
As you move through the many stages of womanhood, seeing your OB/GYN on a regular basis can aid your mission to prevent heart disease. If you’re on the hunt for a knowledgeable and welcoming OB/GYN in Jackson, MS or Madison, MS, stop by The Woman’s Clinic.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Heart-related problems affect your entire cardiovascular system and lead to other complications that affect your day-to-day functioning. So, as we usher in American Heart Month, now is a perfect time to shine a light on your overall health. As a woman, the difference in your well-being also lies in getting regular check-ups with your OB/GYN. If you are located in the Jackson metro area, call us today to schedule your appointment.
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