Women's Heart Health #4

I'm finishing a series on women's cardiac fitness as part of February's Heart Health Month. Heart disease is a woman's No. 1 health risk. The good news is that 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable.

In Your 50's & 60's


Your risk of heart disease goes up during menopause and begins to match that of men's.

Pay Attention to Sleep

Adults who net fewer than six hours of sleep are more at risk than those who rest longer. If night sweats are a problem, keep your bedroom at 68 degrees or lower. If you snore, you might want to be checked for sleep apnea.

Pay Attention to Immunizations

When you're older, having the flu can raise your risk of heart disease because it can affect your blood pressure and heart rate. Consider a flu shot. After 65, discuss getting a pneumonia vaccine with your doctor.

Pay Attention to Vitamin D

More research is pointing to vitamin D deficiency as a factor in heart disease. In addition, older women don't synthesize D as easily. Get your D levels checked annually.

Be aware of your cardiac risks, care for your heart and reap the benefits for a long, healthy life.

 Stay Active, Keep Moving and

Enjoy Your Food