May Newsletter  

In honor of Mother's Day, we would like to give special attention to all women by sharing this important information that can save lives.

Heart Attacks in Women

The American Heart Association released a Scientific Statement on heart attacks in women on January 25, 2016:

- While heart disease is the greatest cause of death in both women and men, women who experience the symptoms of a heart attack often take longer to seek medical help and physicians take longer to diagnose the condition.
- Women are more likely to die within one year of a heart attack.
- There are gender differences in the causes of heart attacks, but these are not well understood because of a lack of cardiovascular research in women.
Symptoms
While chest pain is the most common symptom of heart attacks in both sexes, women are more likely to experience atypical vague symptoms with or without the usual chest pain such as:
  • palpitations 
  • dizziness and lightheadedness
  • pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
  • shortness of breath
  • nausea or vomiting.

If you, or someone you are with, experience any of these symptoms, do not hesitate, call 911 immediately! Remember that every second counts.


 
Learn the Warning Signs

Some women who have had heart attacks claim to have experienced symptoms up to a month before having their heart attack. The symptoms for a heart attack may be more subtle in women than in men and may take longer to develop. Many women are so busy taking care of their family that they forget to take care of themselves. Don't be a statistic--see a doctor and take action before it's too late!


 



In Honor of Kincee Grace Baker
 
A little over six years ago, Amanda Carver was 20 weeks pregnant with her daughter, Kincee, when it was determined that the baby had multiple heart defects. She was born prematurely with complex heart malformations and underwent her first open heart surgery at only 7 weeks old. Despite all of her medical struggles and limitations, she is a very happy and active 6 year old that loves art and the outdoors.

In gratitude, and recognizing the need for continuing cardiovascular research that will help improve and save the lives of children with congenital heart problems, Kincee's grandmother, Paula Byars and her colleagues at the Okeechobee Tax Collector's Office raised money which they graciously donated to the Miami Heart Research Institute. 
 


Matters of the Heart

Internationally known Spanish singer, Julio Iglesias joins Dr. Richard A. Elias, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Miami Heart Research Institute, to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and its causes, treatment, cure and prevention. Thank you Mr. Iglesias!


 



New Guidelines for Nutrition

Claudia Correa, RD/LD
You can fight cardiovascular disease, America's number one public health enemy, by adopting a healthy diet. Small changes to your eating habits can make a big difference to your heart and your general health. Making these changes may not always be easy but it is very rewarding.

In January 2016, the US Departments of Health and Human Services and of Agriculture jointly issued new guidelines for healthy eating based on scientific research. Grocery shopping for heart-healthy foods is easier when you know what to eat and what to limit or avoid. They advise the population to:
  • Eat a variety of foods including vegetables of different sorts, fruits (including as a dessert), whole grains, low fat dairy, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds.
  • Limit added sugars in foods and beverages. This means avoiding sodas and other fruit drinks, pastries, candies and ice cream. Common added sugars include:  fructose, high fructose corn syrup, molasses, honey, dextrose, sugar and raw sugar.
  • Limit foods high in saturated fats. This includes: butter, whole milk, meats and processed meats not labeled as lean.
  • Limit processed foods (such as snack items, lunch meats and canned soups) and restaurant meals. More than 75% of sodium consumed comes from processed foods, such as baked goods, processed poultry, pizza, soups and sandwiches. Total sodium intake should be less than a teaspoon per day.
  • A healthy eating plan and regular physical activity will help you keep your weight under control and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
     

Switch to the Stop Heart Disease Tag Today!
AND SAVE $25

For a limited time you can switch your Florida license plate to a STOP HEART DISEASE and save $25. Future renewals will go to the Florida Heart Research Foundation for research, education and prevention of cardiovascular disease.  

For information, call (305) 674-3020 or go to www.stopheartdisease.org, or www.myplateFL.com.

The Florida Heart Research Foundation, Inc. awards funds to support research within the State of Florida to further understand heart disease and its causes, treatment, cure and prevention.   Heart disease is the primary cause of death among Americans.


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