Yahoo Lifestyle What's in the October issue!
Recently I went to a lunch that wasn't just an enjoyable change from eating at my desk, but also opened my eyes to an important health issue many Australian women are oblivious to.
And I haven't been able to stop thinking about it ever since.
If you're anything like me, squeezing in weekly Pilates sessions, piling plenty of the right foods onto your plate, and snatching regular moments of calm are at the top of your wellbeing to-do list.
But one area I was shocked to discover women collectively lag behind their male counterparts? Our heart health. Every year, heart disease claims three times as many female lives as breast cancer. And yet, according to the Australian Heart Foundation, 60% of us are totally unaware of the fact it's our biggest killer.
As their NSW health director Julie Anne Mitchell explains: "The common stereotype is that heart disease is a man's disease, and while women excel at being advocates for their partners, fathers and brothers, urging them to get symptoms like chest pain checked out, they rarely apply that caution or see the relevance of heart disease to themselves."
Even more fascinating? As the leading medical experts we spoke to for this issue's groundbreaking report Safeguard Your Heart (page 86) will tell you, how women and men experience the symptoms of heart disease and heart attack can also differ, making us much more likely to shrug off nagging, nondescript symptoms - like unusual fatigue, pressure in the chest and breathlessness - as part and parcel of being "busy" when in some cases they could be the early warning signs that save a life.
The good news? There's plenty you can do to protect your heart health, and something surprisingly simple (awareness) is right at the top of the list. Read our story and the doctor-approved heart action plan on page 91 and I guarantee you’ll walk away feeling 100% more informed. More: 9 foods for a healthier heart
The other topic I can’t stop talking about? The concept of positive ageing - something I truly believe will change the face of what it means to be 40, 50, 60 and 70+ forever. Just one example? Turn to page 54 for our trend report on “pro-tirement” the new life stage that’s made everyone from psychologists to demographers sit up and take notice.
And if you’re looking for one seriously big dose of feel-good factor, then flick to page 68 and meet seven amazing women with an outlook on ageing that will give you goosebumps. While they hail from seven completely different cultures, they all have one universal thing in common: a zest for life and the kind of “seize the day” attitude every single one of us craves.
In short? These women inspire and encourage us all to live our best lives and think about what we’re staying healthy and strong for. In the meantime, be sure to get in touch anytime and tell me what you think via email or Twitter. I’d absolutely love to hear from you.
Enjoy the issue!
Related:
Cut your heart attack risk
10 ways to keep your heart healthy
