Empowering Women and Girls in
Waukesha County for more than 12 years
Change the way you think about your heart . . .
Women's Heart Health
Mackenzie Christman

Heart disease is the leading cause for death for women in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Often thought of as a “man’s disease,” heart disease does not discriminate. In fact, heart disease kills more women than breast cancer

Heart health is critical at every stage in a women’s life.

Women Most at Risk
There are plenty of risk factors that can have an impact on a women’s heart health now and down the road. Risk factors include:
  • Being overweight
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Being over the age of 55
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Menopause
  • Depression
  • Poor diet
  • Sleep apnea
  • Physical inactivity
  • Stress
Classic signs of a heart attack include tightness in the chest, pain that radiates up and down the left arm, and lightheadedness. Women are more likely to show atypical symptoms than men. “Unusual” symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, jaw pain, sweating and fatigue.

The Mayo Clinic states that the best method for both the prevention and treatment of heart disease is lifestyle choices, such as not smoking, eating healthy and staying active. To further reduce the risk of heart disease, women can eat a balanced diet including whole grains, fruits and veggies, low-fat/fat-free dairy products, and lean meat.
It is also important for women who are taking prescribed medications, including aspirin—to do so appropriately and responsibly, including medications for high blood pressure and blood thinners.

Take the First Step
Know and communicate your family history with your physician and discuss any risk factors you currently have. Heart disease can be controlled but it requires life changes. Change the way you think about your heart health. Know the signs and take action that could save your life. 
Grant dollars at work in the community

When a woman has no health insurance and faces critical healthcare issues, where can she turn for care, consult and compassion.

In Waukesha County, women with such challenges have the Lake Area Free Clinic (LAFC). Located in Oconomowoc, the clinic fills healthcare gaps for people in need.

Funding a Community Need
In 2017, the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County (WGF) awarded a $9,908 grant to LAFC. The grant provided 500 Waukesha County female patients with acute and chronic illness medication for four months.

Medication is crucial to treating the whole patient, ultimately helping them overcome obstacles and lead a healthier lifestyle.

A Life Saved
Such was the case with Sally,* a Waukesha County woman; who, without access to necessary medications, would have faced a fatal ending.

With no insurance or access to care, Sally, who had liver disease and a heart murmur, needed medical treatment and medications to stay alive. Alarmed and concerned, she sought care from the LAFC. Fortunately, because of the WGF grant award, Sally was able to receive the services she required. 

Though the clinic addressed her immediate health issues, she needed to secure health insurance for the long term. While a patient at the clinic, Sally worked with the LAFC Insurance Mobilizer, who helped her obtain affordable insurance based on her financial eligibility.

Unfortunately, as is all too common, Sally’s health continued to decline. As a result, she worked less hours and was no longer able to afford the health insurance she had acquired. She returned to the clinic seeking services, where, once again, t hey were able to stabilize her physical condition and help her access an affordable insurance plan. Sally recognizes that without the help from the WGF’s medication grant to the LAFC, the outcome could have been very different.

WGF Grants Change Lives
The WGF recognizes the need for accessible, affordable healthcare services for women right here in our community. The LAFC has been serving low income residents of Waukesha County without insurance since 2001.

The WGF is dedicated to allocating grants that make a difference to the health and well-being of women and girls throughout Waukesha County. 
The Women and Girls Fund, as a permanent endowment and granting entity, enriches the lives of women and girls in our community through nonprofit organizations which support education, leadership, health and wellness, self-sufficiency, and family and relationships.

You can count on the Women and Girls Fund to be responsible stewards of your donation, regardless of the size of your contribution. Collectively, we are making a significant impact in Waukesha County.
DONATING TO THE GROWTH OF OUR COMMUNITY
When you donate online to the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County, you join our cause and directly support the members in our community.

No matter how little or big the amount, donating can start making a difference in the lives of young women around you.
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