Did you know that women are less likely than men to survive their first heart attack? …that the signs of a heart attack can be different for women than for men - especially when under the age of 55? Watch this funny video with some serious info…

Every February the American Heart Association (AHA) works to create awareness and advocate for better heart health with their Go Red For Women movement - and raise funds to that end.

So today, we're sharing 3 tips to embrace health for your heart!

1.Take an honest assessment

Evaluating my habits isn't on my list of favorite things to do, but avoidance will get me nowhere! As women, and particularly moms, we often put the needs of everyone else before our own. This isn't doing us or anyone else a favor, ladies. So, be brave with me and let's consider AHA's list of "Life's Simple 7" steps that will positively impact our hearts.

1. Stop smoking

2. Maintain a healthy weight

3. Engage in regular physical activity

4. Eat a healthy diet

5. Manage blood pressure

6. Take charge of cholesterol

7. Keep blood sugar, or glucose, at healthy levels

Let's not get overwhelmed - that only keeps us from doing something to get started. Instead, choose ONE area for improvement. Then, read this short article that gives "What to do" tips for each of the Simple 7 (find your "one thing" and let the tip inspire you). 

Finally, set a realistic expectation. If you need to work on physical activity, consider what you enjoy doing. Walking is great and reduces risk of heart disease and stroke. Committing to a single step can have a big impact and build the momentum to develop more healthy habits as you go. 

2. Get an annual well visit

If you haven't had a well woman visit over the last year, make an appointment! To genuinely evaluate our health risks, we need to have certain tests done by our doctors and share our health history to discuss any regimens we should follow. Below are a few of the checks to consider with your doctor…

• • Blood work, including a check for blood count, glucose and cholesterol levels
  • Blood pressure 
  • Body Mass Index 
  • Head, neck and abdomen exam
  • Recommended cancer screenings based on age and family history

Your doctor may recommend lab tests or other screenings. If they do, be sure to follow the money-saving tips Heidi shares in this article, My $905 Healthcare Mistake. You can get a jump start on items to discuss with your doctor by taking this 17-question online assessment.

TIP! The Doctors Online service is a terrific resource for freshbenies members to ask questions, share concerns, and even test results or get 2nd opinions. There's no additional fee to use this service, available in app or member portal.

3. Tell someone and take ownership of your health

There's power in community and accountability! By making the decision to share your health goals with someone, you increase your likelihood to stick with it and experience positive health improvements. Why not invite a friend to join the #GoRed movement with you? Here are a few encouraging facts…

• • Nearly 90% of Go Red participants have made healthy lifestyle changes
  • Almost HALF have lost weight
  • More than HALF now exercise regularly
  • 6 in 10 have changed their diets
  • 1/3 have talked with their doctor about developing a heart health plan

What do you say? Let's make health a priority together!

Now it's your turn! Have you made successful lifestyle changes to improve your health? What tips can you share? Comment below or email me at jeanette@freshbenies.com.