February is Heart Awareness Month and this month we focus on heart health.  A heart attack is the number one killer and is often referred to as the silent killer, because sometimes there are no symptoms.  It is important that we take care of our heart.  A heart attack can occur when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped.  This can occur as a result from fat build up, cholesterol, and other substances, which builds up plaque.  If the plaque breaks open and a blood clot is formed it can block the blood flow causing a heart attack.  People who experience symptoms of a heart attack experience discomfort in the center of the chest that last for more than a few minutes, it might go away, but it comes back and feels like pressure, squeezing or pain.  They can also feel discomfort in the arm, back, neck, jaw or stomach, as well as experience shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, and light-headedness.  These symptoms can vary from men and women.  If you have any of the symptoms call 911 immediately.  Every year, 1 out of 4 deaths is caused by heart disease.   However, heart disease can be prevented by making healthy food choices and managing your health conditions, like using natural herbs and spices to season food versus using salt.  February means purification, so it is time that we take better care of ourselves to live longer, healthier lives. 

You can find out more about Heart Attacks and Treatment via this linked website: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack
 

For a visual illustration and to learn more click here: https://watchlearnlive.heart.org/index.php?moduleSelect=hrtatk

 

A stroke can also occur from problems with our heart.  The American Heart Association suggests that the best way to know the symptoms of a stroke is by using the acronym, F.A.S.T., which stands for face drooping (one side of the face droops or is numb), arm weakness, speech (slurred), and time to call 911.  Other symptoms are numbness in legs or arms on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble seeing, trouble walking, dizziness, severe headache with no known cause.  You can find out more about Strokes and Treatment via this linked website: https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/treatment/why-getting-quick-stroke-treatment-is-important

Source: www.heart.org; www.stroke.org

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By Dietra Myers