All women face the threat of heart disease. But becoming aware of symptoms and risks unique to women, as well as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising, can help protect you. These chest-related heart attack signs often appear in men, and many women get them, too:

•Pressure, fullness or a squeezing pain in the center of the chest, which may spread to the neck, shoulder or jaw;

• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath;

Women commonly have symptoms of shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, or pressure in the lower chest, so they easily mistake it as a stomach ailment.

Women also have these symptoms:

•Nausea

•Dizziness

•Lower chest discomfort

•Upper abdominal pressure or discomfort that may feel like indigestion

•Back pain

 

Women under the age of 65 who have a family history of heart disease should pay particularly close attention to the heart disease risk factors. Women of all ages should take heart disease seriously. There are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of heart disease:

•Exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day on most days of the week.

•Maintain a healthy weight.

•Quit or don’t start smoking.

•Eat a diet that’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.

You’ll also need to take prescribed medications appropriately, such as blood pressure medications, blood thinners and aspirin. And you’ll need to better manage other conditions that are risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Some women at high risk of heart disease may also benefit from the use of supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids.

If you don’t have a place to exercise yet we have the plan for you. Stop down to the senior center and see what we offer. There are exercise classes everyday of the week for every level from beginner to advanced. You are always welcome at the Senior Center!

Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Evies Exercise, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; movie, “Meet the Parents,” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers Club, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Computer Class, 2 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; Cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Cooking for one or two, 3:30 p.m.

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Feb. 13, 3 tables

1st Bud Higgins, 2nd John Allen, 3rd Steve Howard, 4th Ron Peters, 5th Jaynard Johnson

Weekly “500”

Feb. 17, four tables

1st Arnold Bergstrom, 2nd Lois Anderson, 3rd Helen Broitzman, 4th Beulah Luthe

Tuesday “500”

Feb. 14, four tables

1st Wayne Chilson, 2nd Beulah Luthe, 3rd Willard Ballantyne, 4th Barb Dickman, 4th Patricia Andrews

Friday Bridge

Feb. 10, three tables

1st Lois Johnson, 2nd Judy Bungum, 3rd Betty Jorgenson, 4th Arnie Lang, 4th Mary Johnson

Weekly Cribbage

Feb. 8, three tables

1st Loretta Nelson, 2nd Mable Vaale, 3rd Jaynard Johnson

Pinochle

1st Mildred Ballantyne, 1st Willard Ballantyne, 1st Hilton Henschen, 1st Jessie Swain

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Taco or Enchilada

Tuesday: Ham/Scalloped Potatoes

Wednesday: Cooks Choice

Thursday: Vegetable Soup

Friday: Baked Fish alt: Pork Steak