Marietta Daisies Garden Club

MAYBE THIS IS THE YEAR…

FOR THAT ORGANIC VEGETABLE

GARDEN

from Paula Flippin

Six of our Daisies ventured out in February for a simple dinner followed by the complementary “Heart Healthy” program offered at the First Presbyterian Church, Marietta. Each of us came away

better informed, and definitely invigorated, to be more conscious

of her own heart health!

Featured speaker was Wellstar cardiologist Dr. Nydia Bladuell

who spoke, woman to woman, about our personal obligation to be

aware of the status of our own heart. She mentioned how we-

women – are usually diligent in having our annual mammograms

and colonoscopies but, when it comes to heart health, it usually

takes a heart health – issue to have us focus on that vital organ.

Cardiovascular disease, Dr. Bladuell said, kills more women than

all forms of cancer combined. It is the No. 1 killer of new mothers

and accounts for over a third of maternal deaths. Black women,

she said, have very high maternal mortality rates.

While chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom in

both men and women – we females may experience other signs –

including:

• Unexplained fatigue

• Abdominal pain

• Palpitations

• Cold Sweats

• Pain in the jaw, neck, arm or shoulder

If you had complications during pregnancy, it could be a

forerunner of potential heart issues. Also, hormonal therapy

needs to be avoided, if possible, during menopause. No

symptoms should ever be ignored. They often are an early sign of

heart issues to come.

Going through menopause does not cause cardiovascular

disease. However, the approach of menopause marks a point in

midlife when women’s cardiovascular risk factors may accelerate.

Increased focus on health during this pivotal life stage is crucial.

Dr. Bladuell stressed that we should not take Ozempic or

Mounjaro (unless you are diabetic) Instead focus your habits on

exercise and eating healthy.

We Daisies all agreed.

Later Jami Holden told us about the organic vegetable garden she plants. Perhaps many of us should give that a thought with planting season already upon us.

Also attending with Jami from the Daisies: Yvette Beckett, Melissa

Snyder, Kimberly Hogg, Deanna Slone and Paula Flippin.

If the program is presented again next February, perhaps a larger group

of Daisies will attend.