Be Well
“We are always getting ready to live, but not really living.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
I usually come up with a famous quote quite readily when preparing my articles. This time, however, was more challenging. And the primary reason for that is that I would like to address something very solemn, and that is the recent death of a friend. Her name is Dianne, and she died very suddenly of a massive heart attack at the age of 58 years. It was shocking to her family and her friends who had no idea of something like this happening.
My articles are composed to help inform my readers about ways to incorporate good nutrition and physical fitness into their lives with a “real world” focus. Another of those “real world” events is sudden death due to heart attack, and women are primary targets unfortunately.
- Cardiovascular diseases and stroke cause one in three women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds.*
- An estimated 44 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases.*
- 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke.*
Obviously, any one of us at any time could suffer a massive heart attack. It happens. My friend was a person who ate well, did not smoke, and was very active. And while it is very important to know your risk factors, make sure that you do not indulge in a lifestyle that encourages heart disease, and work with your physician to uncover any hidden risk factors of which you make not be aware, there is something that is also extremely important for your health and well-being.
My friend Dianne and her husband led a very fun and active lifestyle, visiting five continents and almost all 50 states. Most of us, including me, cannot claim that. And that is really the essence of my topic this week. Although Dianne had no obvious risk factors she indeed did suffer a massive heart attack.
You may know someone who has had a similar experience; always sad and devastating for those left behind. Our zest for living, enjoying experiences such as travel, gardening, volunteering, whatever you may enjoy, is truly living, and isn’t that what we all wish for ourselves and our loved ones? Although Dianne was only 58 years old, she packed a lot of living into her years, enjoyed herself, and brought joy to others – a legacy for which we could all strive.
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.