February is American Heart Disease
month. As the federal declaration notes, “cardiovascular disease — including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure — is responsible
for one out of every three deaths. It is the No. 1 killer of American women and
men, and it is a leading cause of serious illness and disability."
Every year, Macy’s and the American
Heart Association team up to support this cause. Macy’s releases a Red Dress
Collection each year, has a fashion show, and encourages awareness of the issue
of women and heart disease. The funds raised from Go Red for Women activities
supports awareness, research, education, and community programs to benefit
women. In an effort to prevent heart disease, we should follow an exercise routine, eat a healthier diet, visit a doctor for
important tests, and influence others by talking about heart health! Listen to
your body and it’s warning signs for heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac
arrest: discomfort in the chest; drooping face; arm weakness; speech difficulty;
no normal breathing.
Research shows that a new approach
that opens neck arteries with a stent is just as safe and effective compared to
the gold standard of surgical stroke prevention, which is a procedure that
makes an incision in the neck. Experts are hard at work to figure out
the best ways to prevent heart disease from occurring. There are several ways
to get involved and start your Healthy Living: Join Million Hearts, a national
initiative to prevent heart attacks and strokes by 2017; Join Men’s Health
Network; Join Go Red For Women.
Join a walking/fitness club in the valley that will help you
kickstart your Healthy Living.
- BungyPump is a group for anyone interested in an easy way to stay active and be outdoors! Their goal is to join easy, fun, and active walks, hikes and workouts together feel healthy, strong and in the best shape! They have meetups like Lake Balboa/Van Nuys Fitness Walk, A Walk and Talk around Lake Balboa,, Heart of City 5K Walk.
- Stough Canyon Explorers. This group has meetups like Wild Creatures Hike, Fitness Hike, Verdugo Mountain Explorations. This group is for individuals and families who want to explore the great natural open space! They have a variety of hikes, walks, and other nature activities for all ages and abilities!
- Menchie’s Run Club is a group that meets at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Granada Hills Thursdays at 6 pm. No experience is required! A professional trainer will take you through the steps safely, weather you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner! It’s a 12 week program that gradually builds up your strength and endurance!
- Fleet Feet Encino Fitness Members. This group has meetups like Restorative Yoga and Community Run. Their group is inspired to lead active lifestyles within the community, no matter the age or fitness level! They enjoy staying active through yoga, running, jogging, and walking! Fleet Feet encourages others to join and enjoy an active lifestyle!
- Reseda Free Fit Club—Getting in Shape Together. Join this group and make new friends—check out the West Valley Free Fit Club! Join them every Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning at 9:30 am for 12 free all level sessions! Total body workouts that promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Coaches of entirely different backgrounds teach the class, so you are able to work entirely different muscles! Whether you are an elite athlete or a beginner, there is something here for you!
If none of these grab your attention, look up fitness groups
in your area! There’s ample opportunity to start living healthy. You don’t have
to do it alone! These groups make it easy to be motivated to continue living
well! Visit the American Heart Association website for more details on diet and exercise, heart diseases, ways to get involved, and ways to donate!
