Are you speaking up?

As a heart attack and stroke survivor I am often questioned. Some say, where is your scar and some say you don't look like someone with health challenges. I once, true story, was asked to wait outside of triage so they could evaluate an older man when I was having the same issues. Even those in the medical profession still tend to discard or assume because hey I'm glad I didn't fit their mold but frankly my body had a very different opinion! It bothered me and the President of the hospital called me personally afterwards but it just leads to the realization that heart disease and women is so often over looked. I was asked, did you loose a lot of weight? Did you smoke? Are you diabetic? The answer was no. I will admit I will always welcome any weight loss or a winning lottery ticket but no.

Working with AHA for so many years has taught me so much. Its not just what I have read or learned but honestly a lot about the people whom I have met and their stories. I lobbied with "You're the Cure" last year and we were divided by States and Districts. This to this day was probably one of the most amazing few days I had ever spent. Survivors from all over the US coming together for a cause and sharing our stories. Their were Doctors, survivors, advocates and just people with one voice. NIH funding and Million Hearts.

The questions I was asked were very valid. People don't "see" heart disease.

Cardiovascular Disease effects EVERY part of your body. It remains the number one killer of men and women and a leading cause in disability  with stroke.

Heart month may be coming to a close but the heart beats everyday. Imagine a battery in your favorite item and then imagine wanting or NEEDING to use it to save your life.

The heart matters. Check your engine and understand when the cars not working, you don't go anywhere.

www.heart.org
www.goredforwomen.org

Deanna