It’s Heart Health Month. This is an issue that is very dear to me because heart problems run in my family.
I was recently in Jersey, visiting family. While I was there, Dr. Oz was doing an episode on things women need to watch for to be heart healthy. It was the kick in the pants that I needed.
I had an appointment with my doctor to deal with a muscle strain that isn’t going away. While there, I took the opportunity to get proactive. We talked about my family history. During that discussion, I realized that I haven’t requested some very basic testing in a while. Sure, I’ve gotten my gallbladder removed, but I haven’t had my cholesterol checked in ages.
So, blood was drawn. I don’t have the results back yet, hopefully next week. And hopefully everything is fine.
Many people don’t believe in awareness months for various causes. While I understand their concerns, I have to say that the emphasis on heart health this month made me remember my own. I’ve always tested very high for homocysteine, so I am hopeful that those levels will come down.
Your heart health is important. Take the time to get a physical and talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors. You won’t regret it.
Way to go for taking charge of your own health. I agree about national heart month … ever since my dad’s heart attack last fall I have been a little bit more aware! Need to get in for an annual check up soon and plan to have blood work done
Good reminder Danielle!
I just came over from Nice Girl Notes, and yeah, yes to everything you said here! I actually don’t have a history of heart problems in my family, but have been having some symptoms and have been putting it off for a while. Well after reading many posts like this, I made a cardiologist appointment (on Valentine’s day of all days! Talk about awareness days!) and he basically told me that I should have come months ago. I have a ton of testing in my future, and a possible diagnosis, but I’m only not afraid at all, because I’m doing something about it. I do randomly get afraid of the thought of “what if I put this off any longer?” because that scares me. I really do mean it when I say posts like this ARE what pushed me to go see a cardiologist, so thank you.