Honey Mag

Brittany Murphy’s untimely, cardiac arrest-induced* death got us thinking about our (and our Honeys’) heart health, so we decided to find out how to improve it. What we discovered is that “The Heart Truth for Women” contains some hard truths:  heart disease kills more American women than anything else; though all women are at risk, African-American and Hispanic women are at higher risk, due to the increased occurrence of risk factors; and, though it tends to strike women in late-middle age, it is an “ageless” disease.

Because the best medicine is preventative medicine, there’s no time like the present to discuss the facts with your doctor.  She’ll be able to fully assess your risk, and together you can create the healthy heart plan that works best for you.  In the meantime, educate yourself before you hit the exam room:  check out our roster of risk factors and the weapons that’ll help you to combat them.

Risk Factor:  Smoking

The Solution: This one’s simple – quit!  Whether it’s “cold turkey”, the patch, the gum, or even therapy, find something that works for you and stick with it.

Risk Factor: High Blood Cholesterol

The Solution: Eat the right thing(s):  oatmeal, walnuts, almonds, olive oil, fatty fish (and anything that contains Omega-3 fatty acids), and food fortified with plant sterols. Get the scoop on these super foods, from the Mayo Clinic, here.

Risk Factor: Overweight/Obesity

The Solution: We’re true believers that real women have curves, but there’s a big difference between “voluptuous” and “overweight”.  If you find yourself in the latter category, to drop pounds and stay healthy, consult with your physician about dietary changes, and a personal trainer about exercise.

Risk Factor: Physical Inactivity

The Solution: Find an exercise regimen that’ll motivate you to get off your cakes, and start working it out.  Whether it’s power walking, Pilates or pumping iron, the more regularly you exercise, the better you’ll feel.

Risk Factor: Diabetes

The Solution: An estimated three million women have diabetes, and don’t know it!  Speak with your physician about your potential risks, and get tested if necessary.  If you already have diabetes, make sure you monitor it carefully and get regular check-ups.

Risk Factor: High Blood Pressure

The Solution: The methods that’ll help you lower high blood pressure are similar to the methods that minimize your heart disease risk: quit smoking, increase your physical activity, lose weight, and eat healthily.  If you also reduce stress, caffeine, sodium and alcohol intake, your blood pressure will continue its healthy downward slide (or maintain its current, fabulous equilibrium).

Your support system of family and friends is another ally in the fight against heart disease.  They can help you to de-stress, and keep your good health goals on track.

For more information about womens’ heart health, visit the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s website.

*Ditch the snark.  As we’re writing, the autopsy results haven’t been revealed.