I’ve heard that cardiac problems are the #1 cause of death in women. I had no seen a heart specialist ever. I had nothing to worry about — or so I thought. Then about a month ago a physician ordered several referrals so I could be medically cleared for upcoming surgery.
Off I went to the psychiatrist. He spent 2/3 of the 45 minutes he spent with me listing the medications I brought him and the rest of the time reacting to my statement I did not feel stressed as a child. That came with adolescence. (Ca chink from the human into the cash register.) Next it was a dietitian. I handed her what I wrote. She told me about dietary changes, both pre- and post-surgery. She encouraged me to contact her any time I wanted. (Nice lady, professional. On to see my pulmonologist. He looked at the results of some previously ordered tests. He talked with me about the pluses of having surgery, He wished me luck. (Good doctor, involved with his patients.) Then it was the gastroenterologist. He examined me and ordered tests. The upper endoscopy showed G. E. R. D. and the beginning on an ulcer. Another colonoscopy is on the way since the last one documented IBS. (Great bedside manner, thorough).
Last I visited the cardiologist. He reviewed stress and blood gas tests then gave me the jolting news. I had a heart murmur and two leaky valves. I am still trying to make light of this but can’t really. This old car’s engine needs a good tune up. He recommends lowering cholesterol and stress. I would have never known if I had not needed pre-op clearance. Worst thing is that there are 63% more like me who wouldn’t find out this year.
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance in fat in the bloodstream or cells. It clogs the flow of blood from the arteries to the heart. It is the major cause of coronary problems. When blood vessels are narrowed or blocked, it increases risks in heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The body needs good cholesterol to help in the digestion of food, make hormones, and create Vitamin D.
Now how can people help themselves? Tobacco, alcohol, and limited physical activity worsen cholesterol problems effect on the body so life styles must change. Smoking and drinking must become no no’s; exercise, yes yes. How can people reduce bad cholesterol? Understanding that diet is a big component is the first thing. Make simple changes like eating beans, a vegetable sources for protein at meals and having healthy phyloserols like flax seeds and peanuts for snacks. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and trans fats. Limit all food from animal sources including cheese, egg yokes, fish and poultry to a max. intake of six ounces per day.
I was never aware of the risks for heart disease. Luckily I carry insurance, two different policies actually. I can afford to go to the doctor’s and have tests. However, there are millions of women in the United States who can’t. In today’s economy, there is nothing available medically for the working class “poor”. Something has to be done about this.
The folks at Cheerios also think something needs to be done. Yes, I do mean Cheerios the cereal, a product I have eaten since I was a little girl. Cheerios is willing to donate $1 to help fund regular cholesterol screenings for women in need for every specially marked box of cereal that they sell. They recognize this is an important cause and want to help prevent deaths. Please pick up the Cheerios Helping Hearts box at the store. While you are waiting on the check out line, read the box. It explains its promo and clearly shows nutrition highlights and ingredients. When you get home enter the code from the box on the Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts website. Every time you do so between now and January 31, 2010, Cheerios will donate $1.00 up to $200,000 to WomenHeart. YOU can make a difference for another woman’s heart.
GIVEAWAY
Thanks to My Blog Spark and Cheerios there are three bracelets from Charity Charms waiting to be shipped to the winners of this giveaway. Each of these beautiful freshwater pearl bracelets features a heart charm to signify the importance of raising awareness of women’s heart health.
HOW TO ENTER
Leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you can do to help lower your cholesterol.
BONUS ENTRIES
1 – Subscribe to the feed for this blog.
1 – Place my button on your blog.
1 – Blog about this giveaway, including a link here.
1 – Stumble this giveaway AND leave your Stumble name.
1 – Fave this blog at Technorati AND leave your Technorati name.
Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.
THE SMALL PRINT.
US addresses only please. This contest will end on Thursday 04/02/09 at 11:59 pm est. Only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winners will be selected randomly. The winner must contact me within 2 days to confirm they wish to receive the prize. Good luck to everyone!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 10:54 am
[...] http://hereandthere.us/index.php/2009/we-are-the-habits-of-our-lifetimes/ [...]
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
My cholesterol is actually good. The last time it was check it was about 167. I was amazed. But I try to keep a healthy diet of vegetables (fresh when possible) and I eat fish often, instead of red meats. I also am a religious wheat checks eater, to get my fiber. Also, I use soy milk instead of cow milk for my cereal. I don’t drink it very often, but do occasionally get a craving.
That is everything I can think of right now. Hope this helps someone reading this comment.
Thanks for doing the giveaway. This is great!
- Teresa jane
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I am subscribed to your feed on my google homepage.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I am starting a new blog and was honored to put your widget on my sidebar at
http://rosebudsandreality.com .
Thanks again! – Teresa jane
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I am eating right and exercising to help keep my heart healthy.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
To lower your cholesterol, you can stay away from fried foods and get some exercise every day! Thanks for the giveaway.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
[...] Here and ThereWhat: Cheerios Circle Of Hearts giveawayHow To Enter: Leave a comment on the giveaway/contest [...]
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I have Stumbled this giveaway. (thtopcat09)
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I can start eating better and excersizing more.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Decrease your dietary intake of saturated and trans fats.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
You can eat whole grains every day, like Cheerios for breakfast!!!
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Added you to my favorites on technorati: JanelleKC
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
exercise. sigh.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I lower my cholesterol by eating a Vegetarian Diet. Did you know that the Human Body actually manufactures Cholesterol? The only sources OF Cholesterol are Animal Sources, YUP.
I became a Vegetarian 20 years ago, and I eat a variety of Fresh Veggies, fruits, whole grains, beans, and such. I walk for activity, often with The Hubster!!! My Cholesterol at last Check was between 107 and 111. My Dad was a Vegetarian also. Good Genes Help Too!!!!
Great Giveaway!!!
Leslie
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I’m a new Subscriber!
Leslie
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
I gladly stumbled this Post. My user Name is LeslieVeg.
Leslie
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I added Your Blog to my Technorati Faves, my user Name is LeslieVeg
Leslie
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Dear Leslie,
Because a member of the family had PKU, a metabolic disorder treated by limiting protein drastically, sshe avoided dairy, fowl, fish, meat, and soy, She did need suplements but did very well on salads, potatoes, rice, and veggies. Bet you are in good shape. way to go! Hope you enjoy your cheerios.
Pat.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Dear Janelle,
Thak you siincerely. Hope to hear from you again soon.
Pat.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Dear Janelle,
I grew up on unsweetened cereal and my favorite really was Cheeios. Still is.
Pat.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Dear JLeslie,
Welcome. It’s great to get a chance to meet new people and make new friends.
Pat.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
By eating Honey Nut Cheerios and trying to cut down on ice cream. Thank you!
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I’m a subscriber.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Dear Janelle,
I wish I could but as a diabetic I have to watch the carbs. Some are just better than others. I have to prioritize.
Pat.
on Mar 28th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Dear Katrina,
Most of us not only can but should. The pounds come on slowly one at a time then it is a battle to lose them. Balanced diets and counting calories make for the habits of a life.
Pat.
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 1:00 am
[...] Here And There Cheerios Circle Of Hearts giveaway (4/2 US Only) [...]
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Oven-fry things with heart-healthy olive oil instead of indulging in deep-fried foods.
Thanks so much for the chance,
Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Dear Margret,
Mediterannean countries value olive oll. It is my favorite. I’ve cut down on all frying. I have never heard the term oven fry befor–specifics plese. I bake a lot of my meats now if I don’t rotisserie them.
Pat..
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Dear Judy,
I tried some sugar-free at Cold Stone that tasted like regular ice cream. Since then I have found it under a few brands in the supermarket. Splenda has helped the calorie counting as well.
Pat..
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Dear Wehalf,
All fats should be monitored. Still some fats are necessary for good body and bowel functioning.
Pat.
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Dear Teresa,
Sorry for the typo in spelling your name before. Glad for every visit. Thanks.
Pat.
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Dear Teresa,
Sorry for the typo in spelling your name before. Glad for every visit. Thanks.
Pat.
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Dear Teresa,
The honor is all mioe. Thank yoou.
Pat.
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Dear Teresa,
I have more good doctors and specialists than the AMA does–only kidding. The more I take diet and nutrition to each of them the same themes come up–shedding excess pounds, exercising. watching cholesterol, drinking lots of water, keeping carbs down, and including fiber. Now if only it wqas as easy to put that all into one meal plan that tasted decent.
Pat.
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
WOW! Who knew all this info about heart problems and women. yikes!
I will try to start working on this right now by putting away the chips I’m eating. OOPS!
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Working out is one of the best ways to help keep yor cholesterol in check.
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Dear Katie,
Exercise of any kind helps keep the body fit and burn off calories. Excess weight complicates everything–making it harder on the body to function.
Pat.
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Dear Mommy Magee,
We are the habits of our lives not the treats. A few chips in moderation will not destroy as long as balanced diet is the pattern. I didn’t try to lose enough after my first and kept adding. Now two generations later I am a candidate for a lapband.
Pat.
on Mar 29th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
exercising everyday
on Mar 30th, 2009 at 7:37 am
Dear Noreen,
I bet you were good in phys. ed.
Pat.
on Mar 30th, 2009 at 7:43 am
well two things i’ve been doing is dieting and walking for the last 7 or 8 months and i’ve lost 70 pounds doing it i’ve never thought about how i was helping my heart until now so thank you and CHEERIOS for the info and i will talk to my doctor to see if all is ok.
on Mar 30th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Dear Debbie,
Thanks for the visiting and thanks for the comment. Losng seventy pounds in such a short time shows yoor determination to take care of yourself. Good job. You know that averages out to 2+ ppounds each week. Losing will help with a lot of medical problems. I know that my endocronologist says it will help with both my high blood pressure and diabetes. My pulmonologist saus it will help with the bronchial asthma and sleep apnea. My cardiologist says it will help with my heart problems. My orthopedist said long time ago that it will take stress off the bones and make wlking easier.And my gastroenterologist says it will help with my G. I R. D. and I. B. S. (not the ulcers though since I still have my kids to aggrevate me–iinly joking).You are a winner already. Hope yoou reach your goal. Good luck.
Pat.
on Mar 30th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I love their idea of replacing meat with beans to help keep your heart healthy. I am a vegetarian, so I do this quite often anyway with meaty foods, and now there is another reason to do it!
on Mar 30th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Dear Heather,
I am eating some kidney beans right now–I just made an eay chili from sscratch (akmost), Since my granddaughter ate it as well as her father (two bowls), it must have been OK. Hubby refuses to try it though. Opinionated male can make his own supper tonight.
Pat.
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I lost a grandmother and grandfather to heart problems so this is a real big issue to keep us all alert about. I think this is a wonderful cause and a great giveaway.
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 2:56 pm
I can walk daily to help fight against heart disease and eating more healthy helps a lot. I walk currently from 4-5 miles per day I am not where I want to be but I am working on being healthier.
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Dear Carolyn,
Just do yoour best and work toward your goals–set them for yourself but listen to the advice of others then decide. Good luck and stay fit.
Pat.
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Dear Carolyn,
Anytime we help one another it’s great. Our ancestors did not have the medical knowledge we have in this New Millineum.
Pat.
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 9:11 pm
My cholesterol is actually pretty good, but I have known people who eat cheerios and oatmeal to lower their cholesterol as well as limiting salt from the diet.
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 9:22 am
Dear Dena,
Lessening salt for blood pressure, bad cholesterol for the heart, simple carbs for the diabetes,fiber for IBS, no acids for GIRD, etc. all help but really comoplicatee on food shopping and meal planning. Keep trying though.
Pat.
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 11:23 am
Eating a balanced diet high in oat fiber can help.
eeohlin at gmail dot com
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Increase you intake of potassium will help lower your blood pressure. Eat bananas, whole grain products and drink your milk.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I am a email subscriber, thank-you.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Dear Tamara,
I love the ine-mail. It is fast. Through it I was in contact with my son almost daily while he was overseas. Glad to meet you.
Pat.
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Dear Tamara,
Once my blood tests showed my potassium levels as low probably from the blood pressure pills I had been taking. They actually had to give me a piggy-back potassium fix. After that it was a rx for a ppotassium supplement. Then came bananas, the fruit I love year round.
Pat.
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Dear Emily,
Good eating habits affect every part of us. It may take time for bad ones to catch up but most likely they will. Kids should be exposed to diet and exercise while young so they avoid the health problems so many later experience.
Pat.
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I try to eat lots of whole grains every day. My goal is to try to incorporate more excercise into my daily routine. It’s hard to find time with two very small kids, but I know it’s important.
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Dear Lisa,
Playing with your kids is exercise. Having had four of my own before the grandones, I know that for sure. I used to love walking the baby in a carriage for miles. One winter it snowed so hard I couldn’t. so I put my toddler girl into a led, harnessed her, blanketed her, and walked her into town.
Pat.
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I can walk more.
madamerkf at aol dot com
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 7:46 am
Dear Wendy,
Even fat I could outwalk the rest of the family (including two athletic runners) until I had my job injury that destroyed my knee. The best thing about walking is that the more you walk the easier it gets.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 8:45 am
Such a pretty bracelet! I actually am eating Cheerios daily. I love them and I’m so glad they are good for me. Usually I crave foods that are not good for me.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
Dear Beth,
In my day there was only one kind of Cheerios and not many sizes. Now there are so many. Which ones do you like/dislike?
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 11:11 am
Dear Beth,
I know. Avoid temptation. It gets easier with time. I am dieting day by day.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 11:12 am
Dear Wendy,
A lot of people say that. I enjoyed walking most in the city when I could window shop. Most downtowns are gone now.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 1:28 pm
i think the most important thing you can do is exercise – also the hardest thing for me to do ! Thanks for a great giveaway!
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I subscribed to your blog – google reader and email.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I blogged here http://giveawaysonblogs.blogspot.com/2009/04/cheerios-bracelet-giveaway.html
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
I stumbled (thumbs up!) I’m mom2maya
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
i faved you on technorati – I’m mom2maya
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I added your button to my sidebar, but there isn’t a logo showing…..sorry! Let me know if I can fix it – would love to have you.
Thanks for writing a great blog!
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Dear Janet,
Thank you for your kind words and support. I am forwarding this on to my mentor and technological adviser no lidding. I am used to writing with pen an paper. The computer really is a big sstep up for me and writing on the whole.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Dear Janet,
Here’s to you for the thumbs up. Thanks.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Dear Janet,
The bracelet is very nice. II would buy one like it for my granddaughter.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Dear Beth,
The bracelet is a nice piece of jewelry.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Dear Janet,
Glad we will be communicating more.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Dear Janet,
Exercise is movement not gym. Be active and the calories burn.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
My cholesterol and blood pressure numbers were good (healthy) when I had them checked in January. I owe my good numbers to trying to exercise daily and cutting the JUNK out of my diet. I try to eat plenty of veggies and drink plenty of water.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I subscribe.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I enjoy a nice warm bowl of oatmeal for breakfast most mornings.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I subscribe.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
My cholesterol is fine. My hubby’s – not so much. We’ve been eating lots of whole grains, veggies and lean protein.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Dear Elissa,
My cholesterol is still Ok. I don’t eat as many chips as hubby does. Maybe that is a factor.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Dear Esther,
Thank you.
Pat.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
I try to exercise a bit most days of the week and try to fill up on fruits and veggies so that I’m too full to want to snack on the sweets.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 pm
subscriber
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Dear Esther,
I loved hot farina or hot oatmeal as a child. I just don’t enjoy the instant as much. But it is convenient.
Pat.