Did you know that heart disease and stroke are the greatest health threat women face? Did you know that heart attack symptoms in women can be different from those in men? According to the American Heart Association:
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. Someone dramatically gasps, clutches her hearts and drops to the ground. No one has any doubts about what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Here are some of the signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
* Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
* Discomfort in other ares of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
* Shortness of breath. This feeling may occur with or without chest discomfort.
* Other signs of discomfort. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
* * * * * *
The American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) is sponsoring MCC’s participation the American Heart Association’s “GO RED FOR WOMEN” day next Monday. Donations have started to come in, but we need your support. Please don’t delay another day your visit to one of the volunteers listed below to make a generous donation.
Please make your checks payable to AAWCC and forward them to Peggy Van Kirk (1-313G) x3014 or visit one of the following volunteers:
Brighton Campus:
Mary Hallett (3-150) x3429 – Instructional Technology Services
Jeanne Hinkelman (1-231) x2263 – Counseling and Advising Center
Jennifer Kinslow (1-221B) x2297 – Counseling and Advising Center
Charlotte Downing (1-311B) x2188 – Academic Services
Yulanda McKinney (5-518) x3388 – English/Philosophy
Elena Dilai (8-546) x2973 – Mathematics
Damon City Campus:
Julie Damerell (4-199) 262-1737 – Transitional Studies
Vilma Morrow (5-229) x 1746 – Student Services Center
Applied Technologies:
Kristy Mooney-Graves (23-158) x3735 – Applied Technologies
Public Safety Training:
Shelia Manns (1190 Scottsville Rd.) 279-4221 – Homeland Security Management Institute
The AAWCC Community Service Committee members want to thank you in advance for your support to encourage women to take charge of their heart health. We look forward to seeing “RED” Monday, February 6.
Anne J. Perry
AAWCC Publicity Chair
02/01/2006 |