Saturday * January 5, 2008
MAIN MUSINGS: I just returned from the American Heart Association’s NYC Ministers’ Wives Retreat in New York. I was honored to share inspiration and information with this special group of ladies. I thank Sherri Holman for inviting me and for all of the important work she is doing, and Mrs. Butts at Abysinnian Baptist Church for being supportive of my community health advocacy mission.
Although I know the statistics, every time I am at an American Heart Association event I am humbled by the prevelance of these diseases – particularly among the African-American and Hispanic communities. AND, the age of these life-threatening events are getting younger because the prevalence of risk factors such as obesity is increasing. How knowledgable are you about heart disease and stroke? Are you or family members at risk?
Ask yourself: “Would I be able to recognize if I were having a heart attack?” Heart attacks are not always as dramatic as you see in the movies. Many start with mild pain. You may not realize what is actually wrong until it’s too late. For example, in addition to chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and nausea/vomiting, women may experience back or jaw pain. Now, ask yourself: “How would I know if my partner was having a stroke?” You may be familiar with the symptoms of slurred speech, dizziness or numbness, especially on one side of the body. However, if someone had confusion or trouble seeing, would you recognize that as a potential warning sign? Would you know what to do? (By the way, the first thing to do in both of these situations is call 9-1-1 because time is of the essence).
Heart disease is America’s No. 1 killer. Stroke is No. 3 and a leading cause of serious disability. The good news is: we have the power to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others. It all comes down to health literacy. Health literacy is defined in Health People 2010 as: “The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions”. When it relates to your health, in particular, knowledge IS power. There are many ways to reduce your risk factors and minimize lasting damage if an event actually occurs.
As I said to the ladies, health is a spiritual imperative. It IS a question of Purpose. You must have the energy to fulfill your divine destiny. It hinges once again on the Power Living® concepts of self-awareness and self-control. Your lifestyle habits – what you eat, how you sleep, how much you exercise, etc. – can greatly affect the quality and length of your life. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said:
The first wealth is health.
I don’t know about you but I don’t just want to survive, I want to thrive. I want to be rich in the first order. Today, make a commitment to understanding the risk factors and warning signs for heart disease and stroke. Do it for yourself and those who love you. It truly is a matter of the heart!
With Purpose & Power,
Terri
