Tuesday, February 22, 2011

from my Heart to Yours-Part 3


From my Heart to Yours

How is your week going? Have you thought about the tips I gave you earlier this week regarding our hearts? Here's a tip for controlling your cholesterol that I tried this morning: Add honey and cinnamon to a cup of hot water or tea. I tried this after my cup of coffee so I'm sure my cholesterol level went way down (glass half full, remember?)

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Today I want to give you some heart attack warning signs that can save your life.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most of them start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.

Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain (this is what I experienced when I was on the ship in Greece when I was 49).

Discomfort in the upper body: Symptoms can include pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach (I had pain in both arms, back, and stomach).

Other signs: You may break out in a cold sweat (yep), nausea (I threw up), or lightheadedness (that's how mine started).

Women are are more likely than men to experience other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, do not wait longer than five minutes to call 911. Emergency medical services can begin treatment when they arrive -- up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped, and you'll get treated faster in the hospital if you arrive by ambulance.

I can honestly say that God had His hand on me when I had my heart attack in Greece. I experienced a miracle from the living God. We must remember that we are accountable for the knowledge that is given to us. I didn't know these symptoms then, so God had mercy on me, but if I ever experience any these symptoms again, I'll be calling 911 as I'm calling out to Jesus!

If these blogs have helped anyone, then I've accomplished something positive from my terrible experience. Even though heart disease runs in both sides of my family, I was too busy living my wonderful life to take the time to gather some knowledge about this terrible disease. I found out the hart...oops...hard way.

Now, how long did it take you to read this blog? About 10 minutes? Now, don't you feel a little more empowered regarding the matters of the heart?

So lets go out and start walking, eating healthier, and caring for one another. Pass this information on to women around you. YOU might save their life!

Oceans of blessings, and see you on the radio!
Sharon
...always do what's wRite!

Shout and sing for joy, you people of Jerusalem, because the Holy One of Israel does great things before your eyes. Isaiah 12:6 NCV

3 comments:

Nancy said...

Thanks for the early warning signs of a heart attack......since my father had a heart attack, I have been aware of the signs but it was nice to be reminded.......

I am so glad you were able to get the help you needed and that you are living a full life now.......Also thanks for the sweet comments you left on my blog.....

Jennifer Richardson said...

I've become SO much more aware of my
heart this month....your blogs have been
helpful and comforting.
I have to hear things more than once.
Sometimes quite a bit more.
Thank you for this.
In so so many ways,
you're good for my heart:)
Love from mine to yours,
Jen

Sharon Leaf said...

Nancy, Jen...you both have hearts full of love and it flows over to your family and friends. I'm so happy to be one of them! Lots of love, from my heart to YOURS.

On life's journey, whether traveling around the world or walking around your block, there's lots to learn about life, faith, friendship and fun! so lets dive into a new ocean together ... and lets keep that body movin'!