We're in the middle of the American Heart Association's "American Heart Month."
In 1963, the president issued a proclamation to help raise public awareness of heart disease.
Dr. Nieca Goldberg joinined Eyewitness News this morning with what women need to know about heart disease. She is the author of "Dr. Nieca Goldberg's Complete Guide to Women's Health."
What do women need to know about heart disease?
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in this country. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 60 percent of women realize heart disease is a woman's greatest health threat, but only 26 percent believe they are at risk.
So what can women do to protect their hearts?
There are three simple steps women can take to protect their hearts, which include knowing their cholesterol numbers, talking to their doctors about aspirin and decreasing their stress.
What should women know about cholesterol?
Women need to know their numbers. People usually talk about cholesterol as if it's a bad thing, but cholesterol is actually necessary for our bodies to function properly. It's important women know their LDL or bad cholesterol, HDL or good cholesterol and their triglyceride levels.
Overall, women's LDL should be equal to or less than 100, their HDL should be equal or greater than 60 and their triglycerides should be less than or equal to 150 mg/dl.
I recommend that women over 20 have a fasting lipoprotein pro-file, which will measure total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides. If they have elevated cholesterol they need to improve their diet and exercise and talk to their doctor about the possibility of medication.
Seems there is always news about aspirin. Why is it important and what should women know and do?
You're right; aspirin is one of the most widely studied drugs ever. It's been around for more than 100 years and we know it reduces the risk of heart attack in men and women, but many women are confused about whether aspirin is right for them.
So here it is: Professional guidelines recommend aspirin for women who have already had a heart attack or ischemic stroke, healthy women over 65 to reduce the risk of a first heart attack and stroke, and for younger women who are at increased risk for ischemic stroke.
The important thing to remember is that just because you read or hear something in the news about aspirin, or any medication, you should never start or stop anything without talking to your doctor first.
Are there any medications women should not take be taking?
Recent studies show that hormone therapy (HT) does not reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, as was previously thought, but it is beneficial for the relief of menopausal symptoms. If you already have heart disease, don't take HT as you can be at increased risk for a recurrence. Women should talk to their doctors about the benefits and risks.
Why is it important to decrease stress--there are good and bad types of stress?
Stress increases the risk of a heart attack. And which of us is not stressed finding time to care for our kids, parents, spouses, colleagues, family and friend? But all this stress can cause adrenaline and cortisol to pump excessively through the body. The excess amounts can lead to hypertension and affect the flexibility of the arteries, which in turn makes them more susceptible to plague buildup.
Your new book is called Dr. Nieca Goldberg's Complete Guide to Women's Health. Tell us about it.
My book is a great place to start. It's a straight-forward and accessible guide to what's normal, what's not, and how to get and stay healthy. There's so much information out there and my book helps navigate through the confusion and really gives women the ammo they need to talk to their doctors and get what they need from them.
For more information visit www.niecagoldbergmd.com/.
-----2008 MOVIE PREVIEW-----
We're just one day away from the big event -- The Academy Awards -- and looking back at the best movies of 2007.
Kevin Polowy joined Eyewitness News this morning to give us a preview of the most- anticipated movies of 2008. He is one of the editors of moviefone.com.
5. "Sex and the City"
Release Date: May 30
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall
Why It'll Be Big: Fans of the critically acclaimed series have been dying for a feature film. With the core four gals in place -- and a well-publicized appearance by Mr. Big -- this film will undoubtedly be the chick flick of the summer. To all the men out there: Don't worry, 'Iron Man' and 'Indiana Jones' will surely be playing in the same theater. Hint, hint.
4. "Iron Man"
Release Date: May 2
Movie fans have been geeking out over 'Iron Man' ever since the first footage debuted at Comic-Con last summer. Although fan and critic reactions to recent comic book adaptations have been mixed, this one looks like a winner. With an A-list cast that includes Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard, 'Iron Man' looks to be the sort of fun, smart action flick we love.
3. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
Release Date: Nov. 21
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ralph Fiennes
Why It'll Be Big: This is the highest grossing movie franchise of all time and 'Half-Blood Prince' is a surefire blockbuster. Moviegoeing muggles of all ages will be lining up this Thanksgiving to check out the latest in this series. The last film, 'Order of the Phoenix,' did receive a PG-13 rating, so parents with young children should be aware that this installment is supposed to be even darker.
2. "The Dark Knight"
Release Date: July 18
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger
Why It'll Be Big: With Bale returning as the Caped Crusader and the late Heath Ledger donning the Joker's maniacal makeup, 'Knight' promises to be even darker (and better) than 'Batman Begins.' Even with (and possibly because of) the tragic death of Ledger, audiences will turn out in droves. His Joker looks are even more menacing and terrifying than Jack Nicholson's, so parents with young kids may want to think twice before making it a family affair.
1. "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"
Release Date: May 22
Starring: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett
Can you believe it's been almost 20 years since 'Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade'? With Harrison Ford back in the title role and Stephen Spielberg directing, this is THE film to see this summer. We don't know a lot about the plot at this point (word is Indy may be battling aliens), but we do know that Hollywood A-listers Cate Blanchett and Shia LaBeouf are part of the ensemble cast.
For the latest movie news, go to www.moviefone.com
-----DOUBLE-DUTY BEAUTY-----
Create room in your make-up bag by supplying it with Double- Duty beauty.
Genevieve Monsma, the Beauty Director of Shape magazine, joined Eyewitness News this morning with some examples of products that have more than one use.
La Mer The Lip Balm - The lips are virtually defenseless against subtle changes in wind, temperature and dryness - requiring special attention. The Balm infuses a potent concentration of the original Miracle Broth with marine extracts, botanicals and vitamins to regenerate the delicate lip skin. This $45 balm is ideal for healing cuts, cracked cuticles, rough heels, elbows, knees and any other part of your skin that may need a little extra TLC this winter. Bonus: It's even small enough to tote in your handbag!
Stila's Convertible Color - Ingenious lipstick and blush-in-one proves irresistible. This non-greasy, creamy, sheer tint adds a natural glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant color; you can even swipe it on your eyes for an touch of color. A mini-mirrored compact makes touch ups on the go a snap and saves room in your bag! Comes in 7 different shades proving to be any easy choice for anyone no matter what your coloring may be. Q-tips Cotton Swabs - The ultimate beauty tool! They're perfect for touch-ups, applying concealer, creating a smoky eye, or applying eye shadow to your hairline to hide roots, they are a make-up artist's secret weapon-plus, they are portable for on the go use!
John Frieda's Frizz-Ease Hair Serum - This product's a total savior when it comes to hair-from protecting it from hot tool damage, minimizing color fading and reducing frizz-this serum does it all! Another trick… in a pinch, smooth this serum on legs to make them look smooth and moisturized, especially in the winter if you just happen to go bare legged.
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly - This salve serves many functions: first it helps protects skin from the effects of weather and exposure because of its hydrating properties. It acts as a sealant helping to keep the area supple, locking in the skin's natural moisture. You can also add oomph to your lashes! Just dab a little on your finger and apply it to your lashes by opening and closing your eye. This coats the lashes with the jelly, allowing the light to reflect off of them for some added glam.
Colgate Total Advanced Clean Plus Whitening - Helps prevent and reduce tooth decay, gingivitis, plaque above the gumline and bad breath but also can zap a zit overnight. A quick way to get rid of pimples is to use a little toothpaste. It must be white toothpaste, which has baking soda in it. Just dab a little right onto the pimple after cleaning your skin and the toothpaste formula will have a drying effect on the blemish. The best time to do this is at night, works while you sleep. Many models use this trick! Just wash the toothpaste off your face in the morning and you'll be good to go!
Red Lipstick - You can't necessarily get rid of dark circles but you can camouflage them. Dab red lipstick onto your under eye to counteract the blue-ish purple tint caused from blood vessels that are very close to the surface. After you apply just a bit of a crimson shade, cover it up with a waterproof concealer that's the same color as your skin (if you go too light it won't look natural). Try Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Certainly Red or Cover Girl Outleast All-Day Lipcolor in Ever Red-dy.
