February Is Heart Health Awareness Month

I have had two great losses due to sudden cardiac failure. One about eight years ago when my mother passed away at the age of 59 and one last night when my wonderful dog, Lilly, died.

 

My mother had a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type II Diabetes. Unfortunately, she did not take care of her health no matter how much we children tried to help and beg her. Did you know that 2 out of 3 people with diabetes die from cardiovascular disease? I didn’t know that until after my mother passed away. Thank God, she did not suffer, but died instantly.

 

With Lilly, we had adopted her from the city shelter about two years ago. We were told she had heartworms, but didn’t realize how severe they were until we took her to the vet shortly after adoption. Her heart was badly damaged from the worms. She made it through treatment (almost died) and went on to fight two more years until her heart finally gave out after a seizure. She was a wonderful dog and I wish she had been taken care of better before we found her. We gave her the best life we could. She also didn’t suffer, thank you Lord.

 

February is Heart Health Awareness month. We’ve heard the stats and know it is the number one killer of men and women in this country. It kills more people each year than all cancers combined. Wow!

 

Heart disease is mostly lifestyle related, meaning we CAN AVOID it from developing. So, why is it so prevalent?

 

• Poor diet/nutrition
• Chronic stress
• Lack of exercise
• Lack of sleep

 

We all “know” these things need to improve to help us live a healthier and happier life. So, how do you start?

 

• Add more vegetables, fruit, water and fiber to your diet
• Cut down on eating out - Start cooking!
• Educate yourself on proper nutrition and exercise
• Get moving – even just 20 minutes a day will help
• Add an extra hour or two of sleep per night
• Manage or reduce stress in your life!

 

I want to remind everyone reading this article that you should take care of your heart as well as the heart of your pet. Get heartworm preventative for your pets! It is a small price to pay for their health. There are low cost clinics that will help. The alternative for our pets or us is expensive and painful.

 

—Michelle Kinlaw

Michelle is a Certified Personal Trainer & Performance Enhancement Specialist, Certified Metabolic Specialist, Holistic Lifestyle Coach and AASDN Nutrition Specialist. Michelle@metabolicwellness.net or www.metabolicwellness.net