JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With Mother’s Day just around the corner, health professionals want to remind moms of the importance of prioritizing their health as studies show heart disease is the leading cause of death among women.
For people still looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, a day full of relaxation can go a long way.
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Board Certified Physician, Dr. Cherilyn Mahase, said women tend to neglect themselves.
“Moms in general tend to multitask and they consider themselves last. So, they have kids, they have work they’re juggling, and other loved ones they’re taking care of,” Mahase said.
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Factors like these, are what Mahase said can contribute to higher risks of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year.
“A lot of this is preventive. We know that women who are not taking care of themselves on an ongoing basis, not exercising, not eating healthy, weight gained maybe too much; high blood pressure may develop they may have a stroke or a heart attack,” Mahase said. “If you’re not doing those things from a preventive standpoint you can end up being less healthy or unhealthy to take care of the loved ones that you think you should take care of.”
Mahase said mothers can start practicing self-care by telling themselves they matter just as much as everyone else.
“Setting some time for your exercise, eating healthy, and choosing a doctor that you can go in and start doing those preventative measures,” Mahase said.
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