FOCUSING ON HEART HEALTH — During Monday’s meeting of the Woman’s Club of Steubenville, officials from the Jefferson County General Health District spoke to members about the importance of heart health. Those taking part included, from left, Charlotte Christian, Danielle Czuchran, Kylie Smogonovich, President Iris Craig and Vice President Dr. Susanne Curn-Escobar.
— Julie Stenger
STEUBENVILLE — Red … the color which symbolizes the blood that flows from our hearts. Red … the symbol that relays a powerful message regarding cardiac health. Red … the color worn by Americans on Friday as a way to raise awareness of the No. 1 killer of women.
February is Heart Health Month. And representatives from the Jefferson County General Health District spoke to members of the Woman’s Club of Steubenville Monday about the disease that more than 60 million women in the United States are living with.
Kylie Smogonovich, registered nurse and director of nursing, along with Danielle Czuchran, also a registered nurse, spoke about the importance of understanding cardiovascular disease, passing out handouts on “Go Red for Women.”
Czuchran stated all women need to know their risks, saying some risks can be managed, and some cannot be controlled. You do not have to be a senior citizen to have it, as the disease affects all ages, according to officials. While the heart attack rate has decreased in older adults, it is on the rise in younger women between the ages of 35 and 54. That’s the bad news.
The good news is there are ways to prevent most heart disease from occurring, Czuchran noted. At least up to 90 percent. She gave the example of risks that can be managed, including blood pressure, smoking, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Risks that cannot be controlled include age, gender, race and family history. Important numbers to keep in mind and to focus on include total cholesterol, sugar intake and body mass index. Members of the club watched a video that was essential to their well-being, discussing LDL or bad cholesterol, HDL or the good type of cholesterol and triglycerides.
“There are four ways to focus on healthy living,” Smogonovich stated. Among the topics were healthy eating, a healthy lifestyle, exercising and a healthy bond for life.
As far as healthy eating, the women told the group to add color to their diet.
For a healthy lifestyle, it was stated one should get between seven and nine hours of sleep per evening. Exercising should include being active and walking daily.
The healthy bond for life includes getting a pet, as they are good for heart health, Smogonovich commented.
“Pets can lower stress and boost your mental health,” she added.
There are specific stages for heart disease, the group learned, including “mom life” and menopause.
Czuchran and Smogonovich expressed the importance of CPR, noting women receive more of a “bystander” CPR in public settings less often than men do.
“Even in training environments, some people are less likely to use CPR or an AED on females,” they said. “Many are afraid of being accused of inappropriate touching or causing physical injury. One myth is that many people believe that women are less likely to have heart problems.”
An AED machine was shown and the attendees listened to the recorded instructions in case there is ever a need to use the device on someone.
The American Heart Association is raising awareness about cardiac arrest in women. Officials are improving the association’s training to address gender-related barriers to increase bystander CPR rates for women. This includes representation of women in their training materials and informational videos.
The association also is advocating to improve the response to cardiac arrest for everyone.
“Heart disease in women is not the same as heart disease in men,” explained Dr, Carolina Gongora, a cardiologist with Emory Women’s Heart Center. “The risk factors are different, and sometimes their symptoms are, too. Women often respond differently to treatment as well.”
It is also important to quit smoking and talk to your doctor about checking your cholesterol and triglycerides. Be sure to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week and make healthy food choices.
All states have good Samaritan laws that protect anyone who gives first aid and CPR, the women noted. Those who would like to learn more can visit the website goredforwomen.org/WomenandCPR.
Club members noted they sent cards to servicemen and women in the military who are stationed overseas in recognition of Valentine’s Day.
