February 2008 Health Focus American Heart Awareness Month
Go RED for Women
February may be the month of love, but its also a month to warn women about the dangers of heart disease. One woman dies every 5 minutes from heart disease in the U.S.
This month, the American Heart Association is highlighting those health risks with its "Go RED for Women" campaign. This campaign is a national movement founded by the American Heart Association (AHA) aimed to educate women of the risk factors of heart disease. So when you see the RED DRESS, know you can proactively help educate yourself and others about this deadly disease!
Did you know?
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the #1 cause of death for women.
Minority women face the highest risk of death from heart disease.
Heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.
The most common types of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are:
High Blood Pressure
Coronary Heart Disease
Stroke
Rheumatic Fever / Heart Disease
Here are some important numbers you need to know:
Your total cholesterol levels should be less than 200mg/dL. LDL (bad cholesterol) less than 100mg/dL (optimal). HDL (good cholesterol) greater than 50mg/dL (optimal). Triglycerides less than 150mg/dL (optimal).
Know your blood pressure. It should remain less than 120/80mm/Hg.
Know your blood sugar levels. They should be less than 100mg/dL.
Know your waist circumference. It should be less than 35 inches.
