It was an unseasonably cold and icy week in Georgia. My mother had been feeling ill for a few days with an upset stomach and a strange sleepiness she couldn’t shake, but she decided to wait for the roads to clear before going to the doctor.
She never made it to the doctor, though. Instead, she suffered a massive heart attack in her sleep and died at the age of 58.
Many people associate heart disease with men, and many people believe that a heart attack looks like it does in the movies—a sudden pain, a quick clutch of the left shoulder, and then it’s time to call 911. However, heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, and heart attacks can present with other symptoms, especially in women.
February is American Heart Month, so it’s a great time to not only consider our own heart health, but also to take a moment to learn about the signs of a heart attack that might save someone’s life.
According to the American Heart Association, the most common sign of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or pressure. However, women are more likely to experience less common symptoms, and some may not feel chest pain at all. These less common symptoms include extreme fatigue, fainting, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, and jaw, neck, or upper back pain.
Unfortunately, many of these symptoms can be confused with acid reflux or the flu, which means that many people suffering heart attacks may not seek emergency attention. Nevertheless, if you are concerned that you or someone nearby who may be having a heart attack, you should call the emergency number 095-861911 from a cell phone or DSN 624-1911 on base to reach NAS Sigonella emergency dispatch.
Although heart disease is more common among older people, people of any age can build healthy habits that will improve their overall health. “Making small, realistic lifestyle changes that you can adopt for the rest of your life can play a huge role in bettering your health and wellness,” said Lt. j.g. Breanna Butler, registered dietitian at the U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. “Identify one to two areas needing improvement in your day to day life, and make a plan. Don’t overcomplicate your health; Life is complicated enough. And when you need that extra help, know your resources and understand that we are here just for you!”
The food we eat can have a big impact on our hearts, and one way to change our thinking around our diets is to focus on what we can add to our plates instead of what we could take away. Consider what fruits and vegetables you enjoy, and then make a point to eat a few more of them in your meals or as a snack. Cooking at home more is also associated with improved nutrition, so maybe try to plan just one more meal per week. Small changes like this can add up, and you’re more likely to stick to them over the long run. If you’re interested in working with a registered dietitian nutritionist, you can call 624-4710 at the U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella to schedule an appointment.
Exercise is another habit that can have a big impact on heart health. If you’re not currently making time for working out, getting the recommended 150 minutes per week may seem daunting. Of course, military members should be reaching this goal through their required PT, but if you’ve fallen off the wagon or are starting from sedentary, even just taking short walks to start can help improve your blood pressure. One of the best ways to start a fitness routine is to find an activity you enjoy and look forward to, whether that’s exercise classes (many are available virtually now), a sport you find fun, or even simply walking or running while listening to music or a podcast. The important thing is that you’re moving and you can stick with it. To learn more about MWR’s fitness facilities and programming here at Sigonella, check out their Facebook page.
Perhaps the biggest risk factor for heart disease is smoking, and there are many resources available to help you quit. Even if you’ve tried before, it’s worth it to try again—most people don’t quit after one try. If you’re interested in learning more, either for yourself or for a loved one, call our very own Giuseppe Licari at Health Promotions at 624-4710 for an appointment. Also, please take advantage of the Defense Department’s new website “You Can Quit 2” at https://www.ycq2.org/ for resources, live chat and text, and more.
Although I fully expect some readers to laugh out loud when I discuss the importance of managing stress in improving our heart health, it’s perhaps even more important as we approach a full year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress-relieving activities can be different for everyone—I prefer watching funny TV shows and connecting with friends in COVID-19 safe ways—but studies show that meditation and breathing exercises have a measurable impact. Here onboard NAS Sigonella, you can take advantage of meditation and mindfulness classes held at the U.S. Navy Medicine and Readiness Training Command Sigonella. And, as always, mental health help is available for when your stress feels unmanageable through the hospital, the chaplains, or Fleet and Family Support Center.
Taking care of your heart is important for military readiness, but it’s also important for your own well-being. If you have any concerns about your own heart health, please contact your doctor. Just one visit might make a big difference.
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 03.18.2021 04:39 |
| Story ID: | 391576 |
| Location: | SIGONELLA, IT |
| Web Views: | 23 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Protect Your Heart This February, by Megan Mills, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
