Take care of your heart

How to have a healthy heart was the topic for members of Kiwanis when Beverly Thompson spoke to the group recently. She is a survivor of heart disease and is now coordinator for Heart Health in Bakersfield which is part of a national organization based in Washington, D.C. that promotes women's health.

Thompson had a heart attack while at work in 2010. After that she decided to get involved in helping women and men understand how to maintain a healthy heart. She attended a training session at the Mayo Clinic in 2012 and returns for yearly refresher courses.

Risk factors for heart disease include diabetes, obesity, inactivity and smoking. African Americans and Hispanics have a higher risk for heart disease than Caucasians. Every 42 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies because of heart disease.

Kiwanis members were surprised to learn that more women than men die of heart disease and that it is the leading cause of death for women. Women have different symptoms than men which are often misdiagnosed as anxiety.

Thompson cited symptoms of heart attack as uncomfortable pressure in the chest; pain in one or both arms; shortness of breath; breaking out in a cold sweat or nausea. If these symptoms occur, she said to immediately call 911 because it is important to get help quickly. Chewing or swallowing an aspirin is wise to do until help arrives.

Thompson urged everyone to eat a heart healthy diet, get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, and never smoke. She stressed the importance of consulting with one's doctor and taking responsibility for one's health.

Kiwanis meets each Wednesday at noon at Big Papas. The club is seeking new members and welcomes anyone to visit a meeting to see if they might be interested in joining.

Call (661) 822-5379 for information.