Heart Health.

During the month of February, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recognize Go Red for Women! Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, which cut across racial and ethnic lines. The risk factors of heart disease include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes and family history. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suggest that close to 600,000 people die of heart disease every year. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Go Red for Women celebration. Over the last decade, these commemorative events raise awareness and empower women to live healthier lives.

Knowing the risk factors and behaviors that contribute to heart disease is an important step. After being empowered through knowledge, we take action in making lifestyle changes. This includes: reducing life stressors, eating more fruits and vegetables, engaging in physical activity, quitting smoking and researching your family history. After hearing the testimonies of stroke and heart attack survivors, I recognize that these simple changes can be done and make a difference. Although a catastrophic event had to take place for these stories to be shared, there is a blessing within it. Their living testimonies are implanted within the hearts and minds of those listening, which may help save a life.

So why talk about heart health?

As an organ, the heart is central to our existence. The heart transports blood throughout our intricate circulatory system. As a symbol, the heart represents love and passions. Heart health not only applies to the physical, but to our relationships emotionally, mentally and spiritually. A key aspect of strengthening our hearts is to release. We have to let go, completely. When we've been disappointed, hurt or angry at a person or situation, we may hold on to it. We hold onto things that we simply tolerate. On the outside, we appear to be well put together and act as if all is right in our world. But, on the inside our hearts are weakened because of all of the “stuff” that continues to build up. It’s that buildup of sadness, hurt and other emotions that may restrict us from moving on and loving wholeheartedly. 

Like heart disease, we have to identify those factors that are weighing heavily on our hearts and alter our behaviors. We must acknowledge our emotions, let go of the negative emotions, value the lessons learned and give ourselves time to heal. We must release. This “stuff” should not be choking our hearts where we lose our passions and ability to love. We must release. 

Releasing is a process, which is similar to making a lifestyle change. It does not happen overnight. It takes commitment and work. But, when we let things go we feel stronger and one step closer to a healthy heart. 

As we celebrate Go Red for Women this month, let us take the time to consider all matters of the heart.