Love Yourself with All Your Heart during Mommy2Mommy luncheon

Heart disease is the number one killer of women – accounting for one in three deaths each year. That’s approximately one every minute!  So, the more women – especially younger women – know about heart disease, the better the odds of beating it. 

Love Yourself

That’s why Methodist Medical Center’s Mommy2Mommy Network is encouraging every mom to “love yourself with all your heart!”  And, since February is Heart Month, Methodist is hosting a special heart health program during its February Mommy2Mommy monthly luncheon. 

 “Our Mommy2Mommy network brings new mothers together in a relaxed setting where they can make friends and learn about a variety of topics affecting them as parents – including staying healthy for their families,” says Cheryl Stallings, RN and Education Coordinator for Methodist’s Family Birthing Center.  “We want to dedicate our February luncheon to really focusing on heart health and how we can make an impact for women.”

His & Hers:  The Tale of Two Hearts

 Many people think heart attacks are sudden and intense, but the truth is that many heart attacks start slowly and cause only mild pain or discomfort.   And women can often times experience very different symptoms related to heart attacks than men. While advanced treatment is available for patients suffering from a heart attack, early recognition of heart attack symptoms is critical in receiving care at the earliest minute possible.

He Said . . .

When suffering from a heart attack, most men report feeling:

• Pain or pressure in the chest.

While the majority of heart attacks involve discomfort in the middle of the chest, the pain can come and go and might just feel like pressure, fullness, or squeezing.

• Upper body discomfort.

Sometimes, men (and women) experiencing heart attacks complain of discomfort or pain in the neck, back, jaw, or stomach. They also might feel pain or pressure that radiates down the arms or concentrates on one side of the body.

• Shortness of breath. If a person feels they are suffering from a heart attack, they might experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. This can happen with or without chest discomfort.

She Said . . .

Many women think the signs of a heart attack are unmistakable but in fact they can be subtler and sometimes confusing.  According to the American Heart Association, some women experiencing a heart attack describe upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or a rope being tied around them.  Dizziness, light-headedness or actually fainting are other atypical symptoms to look for.

Even when the signs are subtle, the consequences can be deadly, especially if the person doesn’t get help right away.

Other atypical symptoms might include:

• dizziness
• fatigue
• lightheadedness
• weakness

The best defense against becoming a victim to heart disease?  Education!  Join us for this special fun-filled session.

Be Sure to RSVP!

The Mommy2Mommy luncheon will be held at noon on Friday, February 23 at Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, located at 461 West Outer Drive.  A light lunch will be served and children are welcome.  RSVPs are required and can be made by calling (865) 835-4662.