Food For A Woman’s Heart luncheon is far more than a meal and social time. It is a focus on women and the heart disease that continues to take too many lives each year. Women focus on their family, their job and taking care of everyone else before themselves. This event works to put the focus back on this disease, ways they can prevent it and live healthier lives. Here are three profiles of our Champions of this cause. The event is February 26th at Touch Restaurant beginning at 10:30 AM.

• Register Online

Meet Our Champions

[columns] [one_third] Barbara has had a heart murmur since she was in the 3rd grade, the result of scarlet fever. During a routine visit to her primary care physician in 2014, her doctor noticed the murmur sounded different.

Testing began which resulted in open heart surgery, an artificial valve and a complete by-pass.

Looking back, Barbara realized she was slowing down, but at 79 years of age, she didn’t think too much about it and was not concerned. Had she not gone for a routine doctor visit, the outcome could have been much worse.
Barbara now looks forward to exercising 3 days a week and is preparing for her granddaughter’s wedding in June. Family is a motivating force in Barbara’s life.

Barbara’s advice:

Keep up with routine doctor visits and pay attention to even minor changes in[/one_third] [one_third]

Pam had all the signs. She chose to ignore the signs and believe “it couldn’t happen to her!”

Pam has a family history of heart attacks, is a former smoker, previously had a mini-stroke, was on blood pressure meds and was 78 years old.

Terrible jaw pain lead Pam to the pharmacy for some over the counter meds. Her doctor and dentist both gave her the go-ahead to take sinus medication. The pain went away for a while then came back with a vengeance.

Pam went to urgent care thinking her sinus infection had worsened. A quick EKG won her a trip to the ER. An angiogram gave a clear picture of a 90% blockage and a stent was necessary.

After surgery, Pam wore a defibrillator life vest for 2 months and began Cardiac Rehab. Although she has exercise equipment at home, the support and networking she receives at Rehab are encouraging and enjoyable so she is much more faithful with her exercise routine.

Pam’s advice:

Your heart need to be exercised! Find what works for you and find something you enjoy so you will stick with it.[/one_third] [one_third_last]

Michelle is the face of prevention!
After years of gaining weight, trying numerous diets and differing fitness activities, Michelle was approaching a milestone birthday. Michelle’s mother and grandmother both passed away at 48. They both struggled with their weight. Michelle was approaching her 48th birthday. This was the motivation she needed. A goal she could zero in on.

With the support of a friend and the CoxHealth Leaner Life program, Michelle exceeded her goal and lost 52lbs by her 48th birthday.

Like many women, Michelle struggles every day with that negative voice in her head that is less than encouraging. Accountability is scary. “What if” sometimes prevails.

However, focus on grandchildren to keep up with, increasingly good reports from the doctor, setting attainable exercise goals and a rewarding wellness program at work help to keep her eyes on the prize.

Michelle’s advice:

Accept, as she has, that you are a work in progress. Set out to be an example for your children and grandchildren. Treat yourself in a manner[/one_third_last] [/columns]