Women often deceive themselves by believing that breast cancer is the disease that they should fear most, but the facts are that an estimated one out of two women will eventually die of heart related diseases while the rate of death from breast cancer equals one out of twenty-five. Major risk factors for coronary heart disease in women include cigarette smoking, hypertension , high blood cholesterol, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus , obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor eating habits. While we can try to live a healthy lifestyle and implement healthy habits, we can see through the death of Ms. Joyner that other factors including genetics and racial differences may play a key role in determining who will be caught by this deadly disease. Although we know that Florence Griffith Joyner was physically fit, we can still lower our risks by maintaining a regular schedule of physical activity. Mining Co. Quitting Smoking Guide Christine H. Rowley offers support and information to help you achieve your goal for a healthier and longer life.
Nutrition is also a key factor in the development of heart disease.
Losing weight if you are overweight will lower your risk of future heart disease as well as many other conditions including some types of cancer. Since we can safely assume that Ms. Joyner was routinely following the recommendations for a healthy lifestyle it is imperative that women recognize the symptoms of a heart attact so that treatment can begin immediately. Remember, timing of the beginning of treatment is crucial in surviving a heart attact. If there is a lesson to be learned from the untimely death of Florence Griffith Joyner it is that you are never too young to be taken down by heart disease. Goodbye FloJo, we will miss your courage and winning smile.