Be Heart Smart

Since Valentine’s Day has now come and gone, you might blow a sigh of relief that you won’t be seeing an overabundance of the color red until the 4th of July. But that is not the case because on top of being Black History month, February is also Go Red for Women month sponsored by the American Heart Association. You may be thinking you are too young to be concerned about heart health, but it’s never too early to start focusing on your health as well as the health of our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, sisters and friends. Heart disease can cause heart attacks, strokes and death. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of women. Black women are more likely to develop heart disease when compared to white women and if this is our number one risk as we enter adulthood, I think it is extremely important to understand this disease and the prevention of it.

With all that said, you still may be wondering what exactly you can do. The first step is to get creative. Check out the American Heart Association website for ideas and ways to help out in your community. It is as simple as typing in your zip code to locate an office near you. One example of youth getting involved is the Jump Rope for Heart program. You, along with the help of your teachers or parents, can form a team of classmates to participate in a jump roping event that helps to raise money for the American Heart Association. Not only are you helping your local community, but your are getting in a good workout as well!

If you do not have the time to add one more extracurricular to your plate, start as simple as becoming a at home advocate. Simple ways to get involved are:

• Wear a red pin or a red ribbon this month to remind your family and friends the importance of heart health.

• Encourage exercise with your family by taking a walk after dinner or going for a hike on weekends. No matter what activity you do, the goal is to get moving and get the family involved!

• Eat healthy. Fruit, veggies and whole grains are key foods to keeping your heart healthy. If your family doesn’t always eat healthy, research some recipes on sites like Food Network and ask your parents if you can help out in the kitchen. Change will not happen overnight, but slowly incorporating healthy foods will help your family in the long run. Keeping cholesterol numbers in control is one heart healthy benefit of a good diet.

• Heart disease is often a silent disease, so be a cheerleader for the women in your family. Keeping up with doctor visits can also help prevent the disease.

Even though you may not be at risk at this point in your life, as a young woman knowing the threat of heart disease is important. We all know someone who has either been affected or could be affected. Remember to do your part by eating healthy, staying active and sharing information with your loved ones.

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team