February is American Heart Month. Many of you may not know this but I had a double bypass surgery in 1993. In 1984 I was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. At that time there was no treatment for the disease and because it is so rare it was not easily diagnosable. I have to say that I really don’t have many memories of the summer of 1984 that I spent on death’s door but I can say that the most vivid memory is that my Mom never left my side. Without her love an support as well as prayers I am sure that I would have never survived the illness.
As a result of Kawasaki disease I suffered with aneurysms on my mammary arteries and eventually had open heart surgery in December 1993. I have always taken heart health extremely seriously. I have visited more cardiologists at age 39 than the average 75 year old. I am thankful that I survived Kawasaki Disease and the side effects and because I did I like to spread heart health awareness.
American Heart Month is a time for me to educate others on what we can do to live heart healthy lives. Heart Disease and Stroke is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States.
You are at higher risk for heart disease if you are:
- A woman age 55 or older
- A man age 45 or older
- Have a family history or early heart disease
- Use of tobacco or live with a family member that uses tobacco
Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Exercise
- Eat a healthy diet
- Manage Stress
- Do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
A helpful tip is to schedule your workouts. If they get written down on your calendar and become a part of your routine I find that you are more likely to follow through. I used a magnetic calendar on my fridge and scheduled my workouts for the month right beside my menu plan. It is most realistic for me to work out first thing in the morning. By getting dressed into my work out clothes I am more likely to work out than if I stay in my PJ’s or put on jeans. Now after I take Peyton to school I come home and immediately work out. Another tip is consider adding green smoothies to your diet. It is a great way to increase your fruit and veggie intake and not skip breakfast.
Posts you may enjoy:
How to make green smoothies
Weight Watchers Peanut Butter/Cool Whip Treats only 1+ Points
Broiled Grapefruit
Green Coffee Seed for Weight Loss
Four Yoga Poses to Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Paleo Diet and Cross Fit
Source: National Health Information Center
Disclaimer: I am not providing health advise. Always consult with your physician.
As stay-at-home moms for eight years, Melissa and Shelley know what it takes to live a savvy lifestyle within a budget. Their passion for helping people has expanded their reach from Stockpiling Moms.com to also including speaking engagements, book authors (Savvy Saving Couponing Secrets from the Stockpiling Moms) and conference co-hosts. Melissa and Shelley are best friends who met through 
