With yesterday’s snow storm you may not have gotten out much, but if you had you may have noticed a lot of women wearing red for National Red Dress Day. 

Heart disease remains the #1 Killer of men and women world-wide. Heart (cardiovascular) disease includes high blood pressure, heart attack (myocardial infarction,) abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia,) congestive heart failure (CHF,) stroke (cerebrovascular disease) and more.

February is ‘National Heart Month.’ Wear red this month to help bring awareness to heart disease, risk factors, and prevention. ‘Get your red on’ all month-long.

Recognize Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Symptoms of a heart attack can be different in men and women (more subtle at times) and may include –

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain in the upper body such as the neck, jaw, upper back, or arms
• A squeezing feeling or tightness in the chest
• Difficulty breathing
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or light-headedness

If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t delay. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital.  As they say – “Time is heart.” “Time is brain.” This means that the faster you act, the better you heart and brain function can be preserved.

The Good News – Heart disease is largely preventable and controlled. Ask your doctor about your risk factors, prevention and treatment. In the meantime, take steps for a healthier you!

• Stop smoking.
• Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and stress.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat healthily.
• Avoid or moderate use of alcohol.

Mention this post for FREE Blood Pressure Screening and FREE Smoking Cessation Consultation during the month of February at Dreamtime Wellness™ for FOB. Call 978-283-4258 to make an appointment. 

~ Live Each Day With a Grateful Heart. ~

Having worked many years in critical care nursing, I have seen first-hand the tragic effects of heart disease. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in men and women. ‘Sudden Death’ is most often caused by cardiac arrhythmia, heart attack and stroke. Working in cardiac rehabilitation led me to a greater focus on decreasing cardiac risk factors, wellness and prevention of heart disease. 

Dreamtime Wellness™ offers education and tools that empower and assist you with maintaining healthy lifestyles and stress relief. Take Back Your Life and Your Health. You’ll Be Glad You Did.

If you currently smoke, STOP. As a tobacco treatment counselor, a large part of my work has been helping people stop smoking so they can live longer, healthier lives. Contact me for information about smoking cessation . For additional free resources – http://makesmokinghistory.org/1-800-quitnow.html.

Contact me for help with your healthy eating and weight reduction goals. Self-hypnosis along with personal coaching and healthy nutritional counseling can help make it easier for you to achieve your healthy goals.

Take good care of your heart, and enjoy a healthier, happier Valentine’s Day and lifetime. 

Best in Health.  ~ Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

Sources –

American Heart Association

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Cleveland Clinic

National Heart Lung Blood Institute

World Heart Federation