american heart

Health Advice For Women at Each Stage of Motherhood

Share this article paywall-free.

THURSDAY, May 11, 2023 (American Heart Association News) — Everyone knows that on Mother’s Day, Mom’s needs come first. But the rest of the year, mothers often put their health care on hold to focus on others.

“A lot of times as women, we tend to put ourselves last,” said Dr. Marlene Blaise, a cardiologist in independent practice in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Avoiding that is important for more than mothers themselves, said Jennifer Stuart, an epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

“It’s also important for our families,” said Stuart, who has a doctorate in epidemiology and focuses her research on adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal cardiovascular disease risk. “As a parent, you’re laying down a foundation and modeling behaviors, healthy or otherwise, for your children. So, if we’re engaging in a healthy diet and

… Read the rest

Heart Health: New “Comfort zone” at El Paso Museum of History

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)- In collaboration with the American Heart Association, the El Paso Museum of History created it’s REACH program to help develop the worksite policy and purchase supplies for the “Comfort Zone.”

The new space, which the Museum calls “The Comfort Zone,” will offer a private space for employees and visitors to pump or breastfeed and for others with sensory issues to take a break in a relaxing environment.

The Museum will offer breastfeeding individuals a private space, other than a restroom, where they can pump or breastfeed; a nursing station and family-friendly space for relaxation; toys for young children; and ensure easy access to milk storage.

Visitors can ask the Museum’s front desk attendant for more information.

Organizations who are interested in adopting a mother-friendly policy should contact the American Heart Association Reach program to receive guidance and assistance.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7

… Read the rest

Physical activities like a daily 20-minute walk may help reduce disparities in heart health

walking
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Hearts are kept strong with regular physical activity, and daily activity such as a 20-minute brisk walk is key; however, some groups may have additional barriers that affect whether or not a daily walk is feasible. Increasing physical activity levels, particularly among people at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, has known heart health benefits and may help reduce cardiovascular health disparities, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published today in Circulation.

The new statement, “Increasing Equity of Physical Activity Promotion for Optimal Cardiovascular Health in Adults,” examines physical activity levels among different groups of adults, reviews strategies for increasing physical activity in groups that are under-resourced or at-risk for poor cardiovascular health, and offers suggestions for how to promote physical activity to reduce cardiovascular risk equitably through physical activity.

“Helping everybody improve their heart health is important,” said Gerald J. Jerome,

… Read the rest