Heart Help for Women: What is Heart Help for Women?

We know that women like yourself are so good at putting other people first – your family, your parents, your friends – that you often don’t make time to take care of yourself. But when it comes to your heart, you have to put yourself first and be your own advocate.

We also help you connect with the right doctor – one who understands what makes women’s heart care different than men’s. These doctors voluntarily participate in additional training – training that other doctors at other hospitals don’t receive – to specifically be aware of a woman’s risks and symptoms and to treat her most effectively. You probably don’t talk to your doctor about heart health but you really need to.

Next time you see your doctor, take along “Six Questions to Ask Your Doctor” (you can link to these questions on the right) to get the conversation started. If you currently don’t have a primary-care physician, call us at 610-402-CARE to find a doctor who has attended Heart Help for Women continuing education sessions. These classes present the latest findings on medical research on women and heart disease so these doctors can provide you with the best cardiac care.

We also host special events throughout the community so you can talk directly with a panel of specialists from cardiologists and family-care physicians to OB/GYNs and psychiatrists about heart health and ask all the questions you have about taking care of yourself – to ensure you’re around to take care of the ones you love.

We bring in motivational speakers like Phylicia Rashad, whose father died of heart disease and diabetes, and Jackie Kallen, the world’s most successful female boxing manager, who had a stent implanted in her heart. And we encourage women, for all these events, to bring their mothers, daughters, sisters, girlfriends and even the special men in their lives, so everyone hears the important messages about how to take care of your heart.

Take control of your heart health

Although there are some risk factors you can’t control – such as family history – the good news is there are factors you can control to prevent heart disease. By taking charge of these four risk factors, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 82 percent.

Don’t smoke.
If you never started smoking, good for you! If you are a smoker, nowadays there is so much support out there to help you quit. We have counselors available to assist you and help you give up the No. 1 cause of heart disease.

Maintain a healthy weight.
Excess weight, especially if you carry it around your waist, can contribute to heart disease. But moderate exercise such as daily walks can help you shed those pounds for good.

Eat healthy.
Little changes to your diet, such as eating oatmeal which is proven to lower cholesterol, are a great way to start. Sign up to receive our Healthy You magazine for tips on getting started or attend one of our nutrition classes. Call 610-402-CARE.

Exercise regularly.
On most, and preferably all, days of the week, you should exercise a minimum of 30 minutes at a moderate-intensity activity such as a brisk walk. It’s important that the activity increases your heart rate and keeps it up for the length of your workout. So why not get started by trying a class and enjoying a new activity with new friends?

Why Choose Us

What is Heart Help for Women?

It’s an empowering program that educates you and the medical community on heart health and connects you with a doctor specially trained to recognize and treat women’s heart issues.

Take control of your heart health

Questions?

Resources