Knowing your numbers, the symptoms of heart disease, and your family history is all part of committing to a heart-healthy lifestyle that could save your life. | Photo provided by Prisma Health
February in GVL isn’t just for roses from Dahlia and chocolates from Lowes Foods (although, it’s for that, too). Since today is Valentine’s Day and this month celebrates American Heart Month, it’s a time for self-love. Read: Understanding how to keep your ticker as healthy as can be, because the more you know about heart disease, the better chance you have of beating it.
The ugly truth is, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. That includes women with obvious risk factors (e.g. being overweight or smoking) as well as seemingly fit women with silent, but just as deadly, risk factors, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
So, how can a woman protect her heart’s health?
Cardiologist Andrea Bryan, MD, of Prisma Health shares these three recommendations for how to show your heart some love this Valentine’s Day (and every day):
Know the symptoms of a heart attack. While women can experience that classic chest pain feeling of “an elephant sitting on your chest,” like men typically do, women are actually more likely than men to experience other symptoms of a heart attack, such as:
Fatigue
Chest pressure
Nausea
Vomiting
Back pain
Jaw pain
Know your numbers. This refers to key markers of heart health like cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. An astounding 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease, and many don’t even know it.
Know your family history. If an immediate relative has had a heart attack, stroke, or heart disease, then you’re more likely to have it as well — even if you exercise + eat right. Keep up the heart-healthy activities, but also keep tabs on the potential underlying issues.
When was the last time you checked your heart’s health?
Learn the Shag | Wednesday, Feb. 14-Wednesday, Aug. 20 | Times vary | Spare Time Entertainment, 822 Congaree Rd., Greenville | $0-$10 | Join the Carolina Shag Club for a beginner dance class at 6 p.m. and an intermediate class at 6:40 p.m. before a free social dance for dancers of all skill levels.
Trivia Night | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | The Velo Fellow, 1 Augusta St., Ste. 201, Greenville | Free entry | Grab a bite and a cocktail + make your friends jealous of your knowledge with this weekly trivia night.
Thursday, Feb. 15
Alchemy Improv Show | Thursday, Feb. 15 | Times vary | Coffee Underground, 1 E. Coffee St., Greenville | $10 | Catch an improv show to start your weekend.
Friday, Feb. 16
The Rocky Horror Picture Show LIVE Shadow Cast | Friday, Feb. 16-Saturday, Feb. 17 | Times vary | Paper Moon Studios, 2415 Old Buncombe Rd., Greenville | $20-$25 | This immersive show is a three-year running production of “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Jacksonville Icemen | Friday, Feb. 16 | 7:05 p.m. | Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N. Academy St., Greenville | $20-$54 | Catch some action on the ice as the Swamp Rabbits take on the Icemen.
The City of Greenville approved a 20-year tax break for The Delano, a $53.5 million high-rise featuring 139 residential units + retail near Unity Park (across from Southernside Brewing Co.). At least 28 of the units will affordable to people making incomes “typical of teachers + law enforcement.” (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Coming Soon
Vintage Coffee Café plans to open this May in the Overbrook neighborhood on East North Street where Perch Gastropub was previously located. The coffee shop will feature a mash-up of coffee, breakfast, lunch + brunch.(The Post and Courier Greenville)
Job
The city of Greenville is looking for summer camp counselors for Super Summer Camp + applications are open now. Applicants must be 18+ and employment runs from Monday, Jun. 3 to Friday, Aug. 2.
Outdoors
It’s almost time to be back outside enjoying warm weather. The Peace Center dropped its outdoor concert schedule with plans to announce more. Concerts start as early as Friday, Apr. 12. (Fox Carolina)
Feel Good
Southside High School junior Jake Ware has carved out his space in history as the first African American to become a Eagle Scout in the Buncombe Street Methodist Church Troop No. 9.
Fun Fact
Meet Mushu + Cricket. The Greenville Zoo officially named its two new red panda cubs. With 2,500+ votes cast, 40% of the votes were in support of the “Mulan” character names.
Arts
Experience magic at Newberry Opera House. iLuminate will light up the stage on Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. with a fusion of technology and dance. Snag tickets to witness this electrifying performance, supported by SC Discover, where artistry meets innovation.*
Giveaway
This $900 prize package is up for grabs thanks to Highland Brewing’s Get Lucky With Gaelic Giveaway. Enter for free through March 31 for a chance to win a Highland hammock, a voucher for Wrong Way River Lodge + Cabins, and a whole lot more.*
Featured Job
Are you a dedicated and dynamic educator looking to jumpstart your career? Christ Church Episcopal School is hiring for both full time and part time positions in lower, middle, and upper schools in Greenville, SC. Learn more + apply.*
Fences, a show from the current running season at Center Stage Theatre | Photo credit: Wallace Krebs
All the world’s a stage but there’s plenty of talent to see right here in Greenville as three theatres just announced shows for their upcoming seasons.
A portable touch screen for your car, so you can connect your phone and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for music, GPS, and more. Stick the screen where you want with its sturdy suction cup holder + use the voice control feature for safe driving.
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