With the frightening fact that heart disease kills 1 in 3 women each year, it certainly made an impact on my family in 2010 when my mother had triple bypass heart surgery. Last year, my diabetic mother was placed on peritoneal dialysis (home dialysis) because of her chronic kidney disease. In order to qualify for a kidney transplant, possible kidney recipients must undergo various and vigorous exams of the entire body, including the heart. My mother underwent electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram (ECG), treadmill stress test, and it was revealed that my mother suffered from advanced stages of heart disease. She had about an average of 90% blockage in her arteries along with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. For a Hispanic women in her 60s suffering from diabetes, chronic kidney failure, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, a triple bypass surgery was not a simple procedure. Thankfully, the surgery went well and she is currently recovering. However, it has been a major change in lifestyle and eating habits for her.
My mother’s illnesses has been a scare for me. Due to my mother’s history and genetics, I’m at a higher risk to get diabetes, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol than the average person. My husband’s family suffers from heart disease, with many of his family members succumbing to it. I’m a second generation Hispanic American so I do cook American dishes, but I also create typical Hispanic foods. Many Hispanic recipes are rich and delicious, but high in salt and sugar. I realized that in order to combat predisposed genetic illnesses, I would need to incorporate exercise and healthy eating habits.
I want to cut my risk of heart disease so I’m proud to be among the co-hosts of the “Go Red” Twitter Party with one of the Go Red for Women and Go Red Por Tu Corazon Spokeswomen, Latina on a Mission, on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, between 8 to 9:30 PM. Join, learn more about the effects of heart disease, tips on healthy living, and WIN some great PRIZES!
Don’t forget to wear something RED! It may be a virtual party but you can still wear something festive to get you in the mood. Put on a beautiful red top, a red hair bow, or even some red flannel pajamas and a picture of that red item may win you one of the 18 prizes! RSVP: HERE for the “Go Red” Twitter Party on the Latina On a Mission website.
Your Mom is so pretty! Heart disease has taken away my aunts and several of my cousins. Such an important issue.
I can really relate to your story. My mom almost died from heart disease 2 years ago. Since her health scare, we have all tried to live and eat healthy. I will be at the twitter party. Thanks!