“W omen Are Not Small Men” was authored by a cardiologist that indicated women rarely get treated as individuals, especially when it comes to their cardiac health. Women should pay special attention to how they feel when exerting themselves. Heavy exertions such as shoveling snow, moving furniture, gardening as well as many other strong physical activities can bring on symptoms.

Women often experience shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, or pressure lower down in the chest mistaken for a stomach ailment or digestive complaints. Frequently sleep disturbances, back pain, indigestion, heartburn, gas, bloating and sometimes anxiety can indicate cardiac problems.

When cardiac symptoms worsen, these symptoms will show up with less and less exertion and can even appear during rest. It is well documented that women can get a heart attack up to six weeks following these exertion-related symptoms.

The typical time for a woman to have a heart attack is about 10 years after menopause. That’s around age 60. the really awful statistic is two-thirds of the women who have their first heart attack die suddenly.

Once again it is important to know if you get any symptoms that show up after exertion. Heart disease accounts for more than 50 percent of all deaths in the United States and more than 50 billion dollars per year in medical expenses. It is the leading cause of death in the USA and it is one of the most preventable degenerative diseases that we currently face.

Nutrients to decrease homocysteine levels, including B6, B12, folic acid, betaine HCL, red beet root, Vitamin C and E, Co-Q10, omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids and hawthorne berries, should be taken to help nutrients specific for heart and vascular function. Exercise and diet also plays a strong role in a healthy heart.

We would like to thank our communities for their continued support for the annual “Giving Tree.” the recipient again for this year was the Iliff Head start. a special thank-you to our local churches and members of our community that were so generous with their donations. Thanks again.

God bless you all and all of our troops. Yours in good health!