‘Go Red for Women’ — Fight heart disease in Arkansas

‘Go Red for Women’ — Fight heart disease in Arkansas

This week, I had the privilege of speaking to Arkansans dedicated to ending the number one killer of women. To help bring attention to this important health risk, we welcomed a large group of survivors of heart disease and the American Heart Association to the Capitol Rotunda.

Before the Go Red for Women movement began, I think it's fair to say that almost everyone thought heart disease was a man's disease or at best an elderly person's disease.

But thanks to the comprehensive efforts of the American Heart Association, we now know that women of all ages are at risk too.

For thirteen years, the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement has elevated awareness of heart disease and stroke. But there is more work to be done. Every day roughly a thousand women in the United States die from heart disease.

Right now, more than one in three women is living with some form of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association has not only made us aware of the risk, it also continues to provide the resources to make better choices so that we don't have to see our lives cut short or our quality of life diminished because we didn't take heart disease seriously.

The Go Red for Women Campaign recommends seven easy ways to help control your risk for heart disease? Manage your heart risk by understanding 'Life's Simple 7.'

1. Get active Daily physical activity (see www.goredforwomen.org/home/live-healthy/exercise/) increases your length and quality of life. If you get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day (like brisk walking), five times per week, you can almost guarantee yourself a healthier and more satisfying life while lowering your risks for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

2. Control cholesterol When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.

3. Eat better If you are frequently skipping out on veggies, fruit, low-fat dairy, fiberrich whole grains, and lean meats including fish, your body is missing the basic building blocks for a healthy life.

4. Manage blood pressure.

When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer. Manage stress (see www.goredforwomen.org/home/livehealthy/ stress_management), limit alcohol and avoid tobacco smoke.

5. Lose weight If you have too much fat, especially if a lot of it is at your waist, you're at higher risk for such health problems as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. Even losing as few as five or ten pounds can produce a dramatic blood pressure reduction.

6. Reduce blood sugar Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Reduce consumption of simple sugars that are found in soda, candy and sugary desserts. Take medications or insulin if it is prescribed for you 7. Stop smoking Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.

To make change you must act. Let today be your starting point. Commit to one heart healthy change and show your support to the Go Red movement.

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson