First the bad news: heart disease is the number one killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths every year. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, but not all women are alert to this health threat.
But there is good news: education and healthy lifestyle changes can prevent most cardiovascular diseases.
That’s the goal of WomenHeart Savannah, a local heart health support group that meets monthly at the Chatham County Health Department. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at the midtown clinic, at 1602 Drayton Street. There is no cost to attend. The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 16.
Each month the support group will discuss a topic related to heart disease and stroke in women, such as:
- Understanding your personal risk factors and family history,
- Events unique to women that can affect heart health like pregnancy and menopause,
- How stress can impact your heart health,
- How to monitor and manage blood pressure, and
- Techniques to improve your physical and mental well-being.
WomenHeart is a national coalition working to improve the lives of women with or at risk for heart disease while fighting for equity in heart health. In addition to educating women about heart disease, WomenHeart also works to ensure women have equal access as men to accurate cardiac diagnostic testing and proper treatment.
Learn more at womenheart.org or facebook.com/WomenHeartSavannah, or at one of the monthly WomenHeart Savannah support sessions.
