By: Mandy Tegtmeyer, CWP, Wellness Consultant; WorkSpring
February is American Heart Health Month, a federally designated event established in February 1964 to encourage Americans to focus on their heart health and get their families, friends, and communities involved.
Did you know that cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives annually according to the World Health Organization?
Most people realize getting medical help quickly is crucial in response to a heart attack or stroke. But it is even more important to know the signs and symptoms so you can act.
Know Heart Attack Symptoms: Chest Discomfort, Discomfort in other areas of the Upper body (both arms, the back, jaw, or stomach), Shortness of Breath, and Other Signs (cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness).
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. However, women may experience other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attack, such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Women are also more likely to ignore their symptoms.
Traditional stroke symptoms are the same for women and men and can be remembered through the acronym FAST.
Know Stroke Symptoms: F.A.S.T. Warning Signs – F = Face Drooping, A = Arm Weakness, S = Speech Difficulty, T = Time to call 911. Other Stroke Symptoms Include: Numbness, Confusion, Trouble Seeing, Trouble Walking, and Severe Headache.
Improving overall heart health is the best way to prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating healthy, getting active, watching your weight, managing stress, avoiding tobacco, limiting your alcohol intake, and eating less sodium are all lifestyle strategies you can practice to keep your heart strong and healthy.
For more information on cardiovascular disease and Heart Health, visit the links below:
As a WorkSpring member, you’ll gain exclusive access to invaluable resources, on-demand support, discounted training, events, and HR solutions, plus so much more. Yearly dues are based on the size of your employee base and type of organization. Reach out to Russ Wozniak, our Member Experience Director, at 419.390.4527 or russ.wozniak@WorkSpring.org with any questions you may have.