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Heart Health
Although breast cancer is a serious concern to all women, heart disease is actually the leading cause of death in women. This is why it is so important for women to be
informed not only about breast health, but heart health as well.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, but it often has no early symptoms. Many people with high blood pressure feel healthy and are unaware
of their condition. For this reason, you should have regular medical exams during which your blood pressure should be checked. Discussing your risk with your health care professional is also an important
part of maintaining your cardiovascular health.
There are also many ways for you to reduce this risk simply by modifying your lifestyle! Some suggestions are:
 Keep active and exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day
Don't smoke! If you smoke, perhaps now is the time to quit!
Reduce (or eliminate) alcohol intake
Practice stress-relief activities like meditation, yoga, deep breathing
exercises, T'ai chi...or
even just laughing!
Make time in your day for yourself, your family and your friends
Women should also know the signs of a heart attack or stroke, especially since women may experience different symptoms during a heart attack than men. If you experience any of
these symptoms, don't delay! Seek emergency medical care at once!
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Heart Attack
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Stroke
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- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Mild chest pain: uncomfortable pressure, gas-like discomfort or abdominal pain
- Crushing chest pain: squeezing sensation, pain that radiates to shoulders, neck or arms
- Fainting, weakness
- Unexplained anxiety
- Palpitations, cold sweat, paleness
- Shortness of breath
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Sudden onset of:
- Severe headache
- Dizziness
- Numbness, weakness on one side of the body
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking, slurred speech
- Blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Loss of coordination, difficulty walking
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Cardiovascular Services and Programs
The Cardiovascular-Tobacco Unit of the Du Page County Health Department offers a variety of educational programs to assist you as you take charge of your health and
well-being.
Heartsteps
"Quit Smoking" classes
High Blood Pressure Classes
Cart Smart
Blood Pressure and Wellness Clinics
In addition, cardiovascular consultations and educational programs are available on an individual basis and for groups. They are conducted by registered dieticians, public
health nurses and health educators. For more information, call (630) 682-7400, or
visit Cardio Health Services on the web.
Nutritional Services
Nutritional Counseling:
Registered dieticians are available to individuals and families for therapeutic nutritional counseling. This counseling can be done on a variety of topics, including:
- Weight control
- Diabetes
- Infant/Child nutrition
- Low fat, low cholesterol diets
*A diet prescription from your physician is required before an office visit for this service can be scheduled.
Community Nutrition Programs
Nutrition education programs are available for social groups, schools, retirement communities and other organizations. Program topics are individualized to meet the
needs of the group.
For more information about either of these programs, please call (630)682-7400.
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