YOU SHOULD KNOW

Know the Warning Signs of Heart Trouble

As women enter the perimenopause and menopause years, it is not unusual for them to experience some heart palpitations. However, if you do experience these symptoms, don’t assume you know the cause. See your doctor.

The warning signs for heart attacks in women can be much different from those in men. And, a woman’s first heart attack is more apt to be fatal, often because the early signs of heart disease have been missed. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, see your doctor immediately, or visit the emergency room.

• Chest pain
• Chest heaviness
• Rapid or irregular heart beat
• Shortness of breath
• Numbness, pain, or tingling in the left arm
• Cold, clammy perspiration

IMPORTANT: You need not be experiencing all of these symptoms to possibly be having a heart episode.

Be Aware of the Risk of Thrombosis (Blood Clots)

A thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel. While blood clots can occur anywhere in the body, they are especially common in the legs, and the risk of them increases as we get older.

Women should take notice of pain or swelling in the calves, as this can be a sign of a possible blood clot. Women who are inactive are particularly vulnerable to blood clots. Blood clots can contribute to heart attack and stroke. Be especially aware of this fact if you have recently taken a long airplane flight. It is now advised that women of age 50 and up get up and move around if your airplane flight is two hours or longer. Sitting for long periods can cause blood clots in the legs. You should also be sure to stay well hydrated and limit your alcohol intake.

Whatever the situation, if you are suffering from leg pain, see your doctor. Clots can be treated with medication.

Protect Yourself Against the Flu

Every year, millions of people get sick with the flu. Getting the flu not only makes you feel miserable, it can lead to more serious illnesses, and can even be life-threatening. A yearly flu vaccine is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. Contact your primary care physician to schedule flu shots for yourself and your family today.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone at increase risk for complications from the flu, as well as those who live with or care for them. These include:

• Children ages six months and older
• All persons age 50 and older
• Anyone (including caregivers and older children) living with infants younger than six months
• Children and adolescents (ages six months to 18 years) who are on long-term aspirin therapy
• Women who are pregnant during flu season
• Adults and children with chronic illnesses such as heart, lung and kidney disease; asthma, diabetes or other metabolic diseases, and anemia or other blood disorders.
• Adults and children who have decreased immunity as a result of cancer, organ transplant, HIV/AIDS or drug treatments known to weaken the immune system
• Adults and children who have any condition that can compromise respiratory function
• Residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities
• Health care workers
• Anyone (including caregivers and older children) living with children ages six months to five years, and/or adults older than 50 years
• Anyone (including children and caregivers) living with persons at high risk for complications from the flu

NOTE: The flu mist vaccine is NOT safe for women while pregnant, but is safe in the postpartum.

For the latest flu information, visit www.cdc.gov, or call the CDC hotline at (800) 232-4636.

You can also reduce your chances of getting the flu by following these simple steps:

• Keep your hands clean. Washing your hands regularly is the most powerful prevention tool available. Always wash after going to the bathroom, taking out the trash, doing laundry, and before you eat. Keep a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your car or purse for those times when you aren’t near a sink.
• Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze--but use a tissue or the bend of your elbow, not your hands, to prevent spreading germs. Be sure to wash your hands after you cough or sneeze.
• If you are sick, avoid contact with others. Stay home from work or school and avoid public transportation. Don’t shake hands or touch others. This will prevent the spread of germs and also help you get better faster.
• Practice good hygiene at the gym. Clean gym equipment before and after use--most gyms provide anti-bacterial wipes or sprays for this purpose. Wear flip flops in the shower and steam room. Shower after you work out and always use a clean towel to dry yourself.
• Keep exercise equipment clean. If you or someone in your family plays ice hockey, football, soccer or some other sport that requires personal protective equipment, be sure he or she wipes down this equipment with anti-bacterial wipes after every use. Never share personal equipment.
• Finally, drink plenty of healthy fluids; eat right, exercise, and get your rest. These will help fortify your body’s immune system.

Partners for Women's Health does not offer the flu vaccine for our patients, but we do recommend getting vaccinated. This recommendation includes women in all stages of pregnancy.