Cardiovascular disease includes all diseases of the heart and blood vessels, like ischemic heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of all Americans have at least one of these three risk factors.

Discipline before the diagnosis.  To prevent cardiovascular disease, it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, physical activity, refraining from tobacco use, and taking prescribed medication(s) as directed. Be sure that you consult with your team of healthcare providers to assist in controlling your health and have regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

So, how is it looking for you?

To Your Health, Cynthia

This organization is expanding the awareness campaign for Teams Against Heart Disease from the basketball court to the football field on Friday night, Sept. 22.    The initiative aims to make a positive impact in the community, and we encourage other athletic programs to join in the battle against heart disease “gridiron style.” 

Cynthia Malone addresses the crown of 1,100 people at a rivalry game between Northside High School and Warner Robins High School.

On Friday, Houston County High School and Warner Robins High School coaches will wear customized T-shirts at the rivalry football competition to raise awareness about the increasing incidence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in student-athletes. This collaborative effort promotes non-invasive tests for student-athletes who may be at risk of underlying conditions.

I want to have our T-shirts purchased for the various sports played by teams in multiple counties as a way to get the message out about the need to prioritize non-invasive screening that can prevent tragic events.  This weekend, our community will notice a partnership in support of this cause and the commitment to student-athletes participating in athletic programs. Together, we are Chip’n Away @ Heart Disease.

For more information about the organization and how you can volunteer for upcoming outreach events, visit https://www.chipnaway.com/.

To Your Health, Cynthia

1. What type of heart condition do I have?
2. How will my condition affect my daily life?
3. What treatment options are available for my condition?
4. What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my heart health?
5. Are there any support groups or resources available for heart disease patients?

These questions can help heart disease patients better understand their condition and make informed decisions about their health.

In discussions with patients and family members, they might not ask me certain questions initially because of a fear of making me emotional since his death in October 2015. I immediately let them know I appreciate them being compassionate, but let’s get down to business.

I can imagine that they may think, “Well it didn’t work out for them, so…?” Because of his demise in October 2015, I couldn’t disagree more. We are still a story of success. My mindset, though painful still at times, is we were able to celebrate the victories–together.

Book me for your next event and allow me to share the inspiring story that gives hope for the heart.

1) exercise, even if it is a walk around the block 

2) meditate on calming thoughts 

3) stay positive 

4) a change of scenery 

5) watch a comedy on television and laugh  

6) a good night’s sleep 

Years ago, I took the Myers Briggs Test because of my general interest and enthusiasm regarding personality traits and just the psychology of it all. I am an Assertive Defender -vs- a Turbulent Defender. The pattern of this personality trait shows that 87% of turbulent defenders say they usually blame themselves first when something goes wrong, compared to 55% of assertive defenders. Isn’t that interesting? 

I invite you to take this opportunity to get insight on yourself. Not to be critical or judgmental, but a little more knowledgeable on “how you, do you” in other words. I also hope that you would search to enjoy videos of Dr. Brene’ Brown, and her extensive research into the experiences that make us who we are. Her latest book “Atlas of the Heart” is a wonderful read with episodes on Netflix.  

Here is your opportunity to take the test. Remember to stay in the stress-free zone. https://skrec.org/amp/free-myers-briggs-personality-test/

To Your Health,  

Cynthia Malone 

Customers with health issues were interested in the information provided. Disruptions in their sleep we discussed ranging from conditions that made it difficult to breathe, neck and back problems to night sweats. They would try out the mattresses like they were test-driving a vehicle. We would raise and lower the adjustable bases giving them an experience, allowing time to determine their comfort level, while trying not to hover and have anyone feel uncomfortable with this process. 

Have you ever tried to force yourself to go to sleep? No matter how tired I may be, I am not successful with this added pressure to go to sleep.  

Distracting noises, exercising late at night or stressful thoughts can keep us tossing in bed. I like listening to music, but upbeat music or the lyrics of certain songs running repetitively in my mind can keep me mentally stimulated. 

Let’s remember some things to avoid before going to bed. 

• Certain foods 
• Smoking (nicotine is a stimulant.) 
• Eating late (a research study showed individuals that dined at 6 p.m. had stomach acid 20% lower throughout the night and experienced less discomfort at bedtime than people who dined at 9 p.m.) 
• Sugar 

• Alcohol (eventually will become a stimulant) 
• Caffeine 
• Electronic devices (shut it down) 

Look at the chart provided for more helpful information. A hearty night’s sleep can positively impact cardiovascular health. It can regulate one’s mood which is one of the most noticeable side effects. Rest allows our mind, body, and soul to renew and start with even more strength and focus. 

Good night, Cynthia Malone 

I like the flexibility aspect of working from home. My problem is that I can get caught up with work and not end my day at an appropriate time. It is too convenient for me to watch television, listen to music and eat while I continue to work until the early morning hours. That is not a good thing.   I do practice what I teach to maintain a healthy lifestyle as well. So, lights out!

Many people take the path of least resistance quite seriously and choose not to work at all. Yes, working from home can reduce stress or anxiety where the workspace is more comfortable and possibly increases your focus. These are some pros and cons listed for your review.

• Pro: More independence
• Con: Increased isolation
• Pro: No commute
• Con: Increased home office costs
• Pro: Increased productivity

Whatever your decision, we wish you solitude, the best vacations, and retirement savings!

To Your Health, Cynthia Malone

At a regional health fair, I had an eye-opening experience that caused me to think of ways to improve our multicultural outreach to meet the needs of the Hispanic community. There was a plan in place but did not work out as I had hoped. I worked to ensure the success of the program, of course. I found myself at a disadvantage and I am glad to see where we can level up in this specific area to provide healthcare information.

Realizing our need to reach our audience, I began with contacting Amber, a junior at the University of Alabama-Birmingham to help me to prepare for the health fair. This beautiful bilingual African American woman volunteered to offer her assistance and I was able to develop a flyer to request interpreters for the event. They agreed to translate the information on our behalf to over 70 Spanish-speaking attendees employed by Lane Packing Company in Fort Valley, GA.

RAISING AWARENESS IN HISPANIC COMMUNITIES

Our Hispanic friends are at risk and must be aware of how to prevent cardiovascular diseases. We are creating relationships where we can have bilingual volunteers to eliminate language barriers when a participant prefers to speak Spanish. This will help us to convey topics on heart-health, CPR training, healthy nutrition facts, encourage an exercise plan, and the need to keep their blood pressure under control.

It was a pleasure to partner with the nursing department at Fort Valley State along with other collaborative partners with a common goal to provide dental, high blood pressure, and diabetes screenings and wellness information for the participants.

To Your Health, Cynthia