Women's Heart Health
Face it. More women die each year from heart disease than from all three leading cancers combined. It's the #1 killer of American women, regardless of race. It strikes at younger ages, and the risk rises in middle age. Yet less than a third of those at risk have been diagnosed.
Ready
to face the reality of heart disease? And ready to change it?
Heart disease can be prevented, and OSF Saint Francis Heart Hospital
is here to help. With more than 30 years of heart care excellence:
- Cardiac and Vascular Surgery
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Services
- Education
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Home Care Program
- Life Flight Helicopter Air Transport
- FACE IT. CHANGE IT.
The FACE IT. CHANGE IT. Program is here to help you face your potential for heart disease by identifying your risk factors and helping you to improve to a healthier lifestyle. Knowing your risks and how well your heart is working are the first steps toward preventing complications and even an early death. Use the information here to start today to take charge of your heart health.
FACE IT.
Risk factors for heart disease:
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Diabetes
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Family History of Heart Disease
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High Blood Pressure
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High Cholesterol
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High Risk Age or Race
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Lack of Physical Activity
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Overweight
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Poor Nutrition
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Post Menopause
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Smoking
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Stress
CHANGE IT.
Make "heart smart" decisions in your life and considerably reduce your risk of heart disease:
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Stop smoking. Even one cigarette a day increases your risk.
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Do at least 40 minutes of brisk walking or moderate exercise at least 3 times a week.
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Lower the fat in your diet.
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Reduce stress.
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Keep your blood pressure under control.
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Talk to your doctor.
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Participate in the FACE IT. CHANGE IT. Program by beginning with the Coronary Risk Profile (a free personal heart health evaluation tailored to your age, sex, family history, nutrition and exercise information).
What
is FACE IT. CHANGE IT.?
A dedicated program for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment
of heart disease in women.
Components of the program include:
Phase I. Education and Awareness
Free self-administered risk assessment with risk factor, nutrition and exercise information.Phase II. Risk Identification
Objective lab data and a nurse consultation. If problems are identified, you are encouraged to seek treatment from your primary care physician (PCP). If there is no PCP, or if you prefer, you can follow-up with one of our program's physicians.Phase III. Identification and Intervention
Includes an extensive history and physical exam, in-depth risk factor analysis and diagnostic testing by one of the program's physicians. If you are identified with heart disease, you will be referred to appropriate specialists (you can use the FACE IT. CHANGE IT. Program for risk factor modifications).Phase IV. Intervention and Education
Provides risk factor modification clinics for cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation and hormone replacement counseling.
Act now to protect your heart. Learn more. Talk to your doctor. Find out your risk. And take action to lower it.
Questions
to ask your doctor
- What is the difference between heart disease, heart attack, and heart failure?
- What are my risk factors for heart disease, and what can I do to lower my risk?
- How do warning signs or symptoms of heart disease differ for men and women?
- What are my blood pressure and cholesterol levels?
- Am I within my weight range for my height?
- What kinds of tests are used to diagnose heart disease?
- Which ones are most appropriate for women?
Heart-Health Websites
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: www.nhlbi.nih.gov
The Heart Truth: A National Awareness Campaign on Women and Heart Disease: www.hearttruth.gov
Go Red for Women - Love Your Heart: www.goredforwomen.org
WomenHeart: the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease: www.womenheart.org
To learn more or to participate in the FACE IT. CHANGE IT. Program, call 309-282-1624, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7am - 12 noon.
