FEATUREDSTORY
Heart/Stroke
DISPARITY FEATURED
A Blessed Survivor
by American Heart Association
Today, Fields no longer takes her health for granted. A series of strokes in 2002 left her with a lingering weakness in her left side, a limp, constant numbness, swelling and pain in her legs and feet. She’s also an insulin-dependent diabetic and takes cholesterol and blood pressure pills daily. She will depend on medication for the rest of her life.
Fields said she misses climbing in and out of the bathtub by herself, wearing high-heels and enjoying amusement parks. She is reminded daily that she has yet to fulfill her dream of becoming an educator and motivator. But, Fields said, she’s blessed to be alive, to have a greater purpose: “If — by sharing the story of all I have lost and all I have gained — I become a resource of education and information, a bearer of a true cautionary tale or maybe just a little inspiration… I will be on my way to living a better life. “I have learned and now I live.”
Read Yvette's blog about her successes and struggles as she strives to live her life to the fullest. She has a powerful voice and is an inspiration to anyone, no matter what you're trying to overcome. NO registration is required just to read.
We encourage you to join in the discussion with Yvette. She's on her blog regularly and is eager to hear from survivors, family or friends of survivors, or people simply curious about what happens when you have a stroke. Yvette is extremely open to discussing these issues to anyone willing to ask! Read her blog now!
This link is provided for convenience only, and is not an endorsement or assurance of the entity or any product or service.
“I cannot recall how many times I heard messages about my predisposition for a stroke or heart attack, and the things I could do to prevent one,”
Attorney, author, and television personality, now Star Jones can add "heart disease survivor" to her impressive list of credentials. In March 2010, Star underwent successful open-heart surgery. After undertaking an intensive 3-month cardiac rehabilitation program, Star returned to her regular activities with a new lease on life and a dedication to making heart health her primary philanthropic focus.
In 2011, Star was named The American Heart Association's National Volunteer and has received numerous awards and recognition for her work as a heart-health advocate.
Star was seen throughout the 2011 season of NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice" on behalf of The American Heart Association where she broke previous fundraising records and used this national platform to raise public awareness of the number one killer of women: cardiovascular disease.
Star says, "I learned late in life that my health is my greatest asset. For she who has health, has hope. And, she who has hope, has everything."
The Truth is:
Despite the heightened risk, most Latinas are still unaware of the threat to themselves and their families. Small changes can make a big difference. Making heart-healthy eating choices helps ensure that you will be able to keep enjoying moments with those you love.
WHY TAKE ACTION?
•
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Latinas.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Latinas.•On average, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than non-Hispanic white women.
On average, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than non-Hispanic white women.•Only 1 in 3 Hispanic women is aware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer.
Only 1 in 3 Hispanic women is aware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer.•More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined.
More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined.•Only 44 percent of Hispanic women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk, compared with 60 percent of white women.
Only 44 percent of Hispanic women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk, compared with 60 percent of white women.•Just 3 in 10 Hispanic women say they have been informed by their doctor that they are at a higher risk.
Just 3 in 10 Hispanic women say they have been informed by their doctor that they are at a higher risk. •Currently, some eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six American women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat.
Currently, some eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six American women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat. •Heart disease can be prevented. In fact, 80 percent of cardiac events in women are linked to poor choices, involving diet, physical activity and smoking. Women must make the right choices to change this statistic.
Heart disease can be prevented. In fact, 80 percent of cardiac events in women are linked to poor choices, involving diet, physical activity and smoking. Women must make the right choices to change this statistic.Visit GoRedCorazon.org or call 1-888-474-VIVE to get a free red dress pin and heart health information for you and those you love.
FEATUREDSTORY
Heart/Stroke
DISPARITY FEATURED
THE FACTS ARE CLEAR
by American Heart Association
STAR JONES
SPOKESPERSON
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Latinas in the U.S.
More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined.
Unfortunately, the killer isn’t as easy to see. Heart disease is often silent, hidden and misunderstood … and impacts our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.
She was obese as a child and her family has a history of diabetes and high blood pressure. Still, Yvette Fields admits, “I didn’t make an effort to get healthy.” She even ignored the symptoms and signs of heart disease.
“I cannot recall how many times I heard messages about my predisposition for a stroke or heart attack, and the things I could do to prevent one,” said Fields, 48, of South Hempstead, N.Y.
SMALL STEPS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
This year, the American Heart Association’s Go Red Por Tu Corazón invites Latinas across the country to learn the truth about heart disease.
•PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY (February 3, 2012): Show your support by wearing RED on National Wear Red Day to build awareness and inspire your loved ones to do the same
PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY (February 3, 2012): Show your support by wearing RED on National Wear Red Day to build awareness and inspire your loved ones to do the same
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