Think fast: How are you most likely to die? Not to be morbid, but statistically speaking, heart disease makes the top of the list. This fact alone is just one reason the American Heart Association sponsors its annual Phoenix Heart Walk each year.
Ok, hard truth time. I schedule my kids’ well visits within a day of their birthday. My first grader has already seen an optometrist, orthodontist and general pediatrician THIS MONTH. Me? Well, I go to the dentist when my teeth hurt and urgent care for anything else. Because – eek! – I don’t have a doctor.
Why is that important? We know that breast cancer is important. And I know my personal risk for colon cancer. But when was the last time you thought about your heart health? The fact of the matter is, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. I’ll repeat that: NUMBER ONE. And if you’re black or Hispanic, the risk is even higher.
So why aren’t we – why aren’t I – taking my health more seriously? I have a list a mile long, but no point in rattling it off here. Because it’s all excuses – no real reasons.
So what should we do? Here are few things you can do:
- Dig into your family history. You’re checking the 1,235 boxes at the doctor’s office and then the questions about family history come up. If you’re like me, unless you’ve had a major health issue affect your family, you kind of tick off the “NOs” to get the form filled out because you’re lucky you have your insurance card, and really, is it that important? Actually, it is. I’ve already admitted to not having a regular physician. But if I had one, he/she would have told me that I was actually several years behind a recommended screening for colon cancer. When it comes to something like heart disease, time matters. Use this handy tool to organize your family tree.
- Get your heart pumping! While there are many lifestyle choices you can make to prevent heart disease, one of them is to stay active. Why not get a group of friends together and register for the Phoenix Heart Walk this year? It’s super easy to set up a page to raise money for heart disease awareness. Can’t (or don’t want) to walk? They could also use volunteers. Busy that weekend? Grab a few DVDs and invite your friends over for yoga and some heart-healthy snacks. Or maybe meet up at the gym and attend a class together for some sweating and some sisterhood. It doesn’t have to be anything major, just grab a friend and walk around the neighborhood. Or do a few exercises while your kiddos play at the park. The important thing is to get moving. Hopefully, it grows into a new healthy habit.
- Go to the Greater Phoenix Wear Red Luncheon on Friday, April 29th. Register for your ticket here or volunteer to support this important event. You’ll hear from women affected by heart disease, and get the encouragement to kick start your own heart healthy motivation.
- Get your coworkers involved. The WomenHeart@Work campaign is a resource that actually provides lectures and awareness materials at your workplace. Check them out and see if they can come to your place of business to educate women on heart health.
So what are you waiting for? All you have to lose is … maybe a little bit of time. But what you have to gain? Your health and maybe even your life.
Phoenix Heart Walk
When: 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 19
Where: CityScape, Downtown Phoenix
How: Register on-line
More: The walk is free, but participants who raise at least $100 get a free T-shirt, and there are 10 total prize levels. Participants can also log on to fund raise and donations are also accepted online. A variety of bands will play along the walk route to keep walkers entertained.
For more info and to stay up to date, RSVP and invite your friends to the Phoenix Heart Walk Facebook Event Page!
