February is American Heart Month and what better time to think about your heart than on Valentine’s Day? This video from the American Heart Association says it really well.
I never thought much about my own heart health until my mama had a massive heart attack. She was 51 years young and she was clinically dead for seven minutes. Doctors were amazed when she woke up in CCU days later and didn’t have brain damage.
She’s had a few minor incidences since then, but we’re blessed to still have her with us. Adjusting to life with heart disease has been a struggle for her. It’s a daily battle to make the right choices for her health.
Encouraged by family members with high cholesterol, I had mine checked for the first time when I was 25. It was 297 total and I’d just finished my second marathon. That was the first time I ever thought about my health, but I learned heart disease is the Number 1 Killer of Women.
People in my family, myself included, have always battled our weight. It doesn’t help that we live in the Southeastern U.S. where some of the highest obesity rates by state are found. We like our meat fried, our drinks sweet, and our dessert every night after dinner.
A lifetime of less-than-healthy habits are hard to break overnight. I ran marathons because I needed a way to burn off the excess calories I consumed. I never thought about what was in those calories until I realized I was hurting myself. It didn’t feel painful. In fact, people don’t often realize there’s damage until it’s too late.
We should all think about who would miss us if we weren’t around? Is it worth it to take better care of ourselves so we can spend more fun times with the people we love? Little changes over time can add up to make a big difference.
I would drink a glass of red wine if I could. But since I’m allergic, I’ll have to make do with a small piece of dark chocolate. Hey, nobody said it would be easy, but it also doesn’t have to make you want to jump off the roof. Speaking of jumping—a few jacks is good for the heart, too.
Happy 
Day!
What small change can you make today so your heart will smile?
Heart problems run in the Faircloth Family!
Sure do. Thanks to my mama and dem. That’s why we have to be extra careful. Thanks for dropping by, Debra.
Great pep talk. Thanks to family genes my cholesterol test was 438. While the number is very high I am thankful for the fact with the extensive blood test it was determined my cholesterol particles are many but they are large so they can’t grab to the sides of the arteries… With this pep talk I will start my walking & light weights…..I might even throw in a few jumping jacks!
That whole particle size thing is so interesting. Jump on then. Also, lifting your own body weight is good for you- push-ups and such. It’s amazing how strong you’ll get when you keep at it. You can do it! Thanks for stopping by and sharing.