5 tips for small shifts that can make a big difference regarding heart disease
Women of the Preeclampsia Foundation participated in #NationalWearRedDay
February was Heart Health Month and here at the Preeclampsia Foundation, we take heart health awareness very seriously. Did you know that if you have had preeclampsia, you have a higher risk of heart disease? Actually, women that have had preeclampsia have three to four times higher risk of high blood pressure and double the risk for heart disease and stroke. Be aware of your risks and what you can do to live healthier today; and share this information with your preeclampsia sisters.
Dr. Karen B. DeSalvo, Acting Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,shares her top five tips for small shifts that can make a big difference:
Aim to cook and prepare food at home for as many meals as possible. Restaurant and processed foods are often high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Explore ways to make meals healthier by adding more vegetables or reducing the amount of sodium added through sauces and dressings.
Write it down. Keep notes of what you are eating (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and especially how you are feeling when you eat those foods. When you write down how you feel after eating or drinking something fatty or sugary, you might be less likely to do it again.
Drink plenty of water. No need to add extra sugar and calories through your beverage choices. You can add a slice of fruit to your water for a quick boost of color and flavor.
Look for ways to add in small amounts of physical activity every day. For many of us, it can be hard to carve out a large chunk of time each day. So I tell my patients to aim for 150 minutes per week by adding a walk or wheelchair roll during lunch or meetings and incorporating physical activity into time spent with family and friends. And if you are able, take the stairs every opportunity you have.
Today is a day that only comes once every four years: Leap Day. It's a great opportunity for us to take stock and ask ourselves, "What am I doing for the world today?"
You can use today to make a BIG difference to families that are and will be affected by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy this leap year and every year.
You believe in a world where preeclampsia no longer threatens the lives of moms and babies. You believe that no family should go through what you and others have experienced. YOU can be the change.
Oh, Canada! The Preeclampsia Foundation expands mission to our northern neighbors
The Preeclampsia Foundation announced today the establishment of Preeclampsia Foundation Canada (PFC), a designated affiliate of the Preeclampsia Foundation.
Preeclampsia Foundation Canada will be funding two medical research Vision Grants this year up to
$20,000 CAD each. These Vision Grants will be awarded to researchers in Canada who are studying preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The Vision Grant application deadline is May 13, 2016, with award notification on August 19, 2016. Instructions to apply can be found here.
Are you a Canadian supporter of the Preeclampsia Foundation? Anyone interested in volunteering or fundraising for Preeclampsia Foundation Canada can email volunteer coordinator and PFC board member
Tracey MacCharles.
There is no charge to access or use these materials. The modules make excellent topic starters for continuing medical education presentations, but can be viewed by anyone, including patients interested in learning more.
YOU can make a difference in awareness and education.
This month, our most popular post was definitely this great infographic about HELLP Syndrome. Post on our Facebook page or Tweet us your additional ideas or questions. Together we can spread the word!
P.S.
Thanks for keeping in touch with the Preeclampsia Foundation!
Our patient education and research funding could not happen without you. If you like this content and want to get more out to families like yours, please make a gift at
preeclampsia.org/donate.
