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Embarrassed to The Sex Talk When is it safe to resume sexual activity after a heart attack or other cardiac event? Timelines vary, depending on your situation. If your physician doesn't bring up the topic, it's important that you pose the question. No need to be shy— chances are your doctor has answered this one before! Secrets of Your Waistline Revealed One risk factor for heart disease (and Type 2 diabetes) is having a waist circumference greater than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men. How do you measure up? Find out by wrapping a tape measure snugly around your waist (mid-point between your lowest rib and hip bone—near your belly button) across relaxed abdominal muscles to get your number. If you fall in the high-risk category, talk to your physician about ways to reduce your waist circumference. Call (855) 245-8332 for a FREE tape measure! "I'd be so embarrassed calling 911 for a false alarm." Each year, nearly half a million people lose their lives to heart attacks (also known as myocardial infarctions)—blockages that cause heart mus- cle to die. During a heart attack, time lost equals lost heart muscle. The sooner you receive emergency medical help, the more likely it is that you'll live and recover. The majority of heart attack patients report experiencing at least one symp- tom, yet studies suggest most people delay seeking emergency care for heart attack symptoms by hours or even days. Don't let embarrassment keep you or your loved ones from getting emer- gency medical care if you suspect a heart attack. Know the symptoms, and call for help immediately if you think you may be in cardiac distress. Warning Signs Too Dangerous to Ignore Symptoms of a heart attack include: • Chest pain • Shortness of breath • Discomfort in the arms, back, shoulders, jaw, neck, or upper stomach • Cold sweat • Fatigue • Dizziness • Nausea If you or someone you love experiences the symptoms above, dial 911 for emergency assistance. DEATH "What if it's just indigestion? I'm sure I'll feel better in a minute." Healthy Indulgences? Good news about some of your favorite guilty pleasures: they may actually be good for heart health. Consider the following, but remember—portion control is key. • A 1.4 ounce serving of flavonoid-rich, lightly processed dark chocolate eaten once a week can help satisfy your sweet tooth while providing an antioxidant boost that may benefit cardiac health. Make the chocolate go further by melting it in a microwave-safe bowl and dipping fresh fruit in it. • Plain, air popped popcorn is a high-fiber, whole grain snack with more antioxidants than any other snack food, even fruit. A single, air-popped cup contains just 31 calories. Skip the buttery toppings altogether or drizzle on a bit of olive oil and ground spices for a flavor boost. • If you currently consume alcohol-based beverages in moderation—no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men—it may be beneficial to your heart. Excessive alcohol consumption can harm your heart, however, and it is not recommended to start drinking alcohol if you do not already consume it. 4 | HCA West Florida Winter 2014