Wednesday, February 9, 2011

pfu pfu' pfu pfu'

Recognize the sound?  Click here for the correct pronunciation.  Its the sound of a normal heart beating.  I first learned about the heart in 1954 on a field trip to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.  The Institute had just opened its giant model walk-through heart.  The two story exhibit would be the accurate size for a 220 foot tall person.  Throughout the model we excited children could hear the powerful, regular beat of a normal heart.  Pfu pfuPfu pfu'.  You can visit the Instistute's heart still.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.  You would not know that from television advertising that tells me indigestion, fibromyalgia or problems in the bed room are our greatest plagues.  Recent news reminds us that womens's hearts, too succumb to the effects of poor diet, insufficient exercise, smoking and too much stress.  Heart disease kills more women each year than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.  February is American Heart Month and Friday is Wear Red Day to raise awareness.  I have my outfit ready.

1 comment:

  1. What an important cause! The American Heart Association reports that approximately 35% of heart attacks in women go unnoticed or unreported. This is partly because some women and their doctors don't always take heart disease symptoms seriously, and partly because women's symptoms are often more subtle than men's. Remember the ABC's of heart disease. If you or someone you know experience any of these symptoms, insist on prompt medical evaluation:

    A: Angina, or chest pain. This may not be a sharp pain, and may present as throbbing or aching pain in the forearms and biceps.
    B: Breathlessness, especially upon waking or when performing simple tasks.
    C: Clammy perspiration, especially for no good reason.
    D: Dizziness, especially when unexplained.
    E: Edema, or swelling, especially in the ankles or legs.
    F: Fluttering heartbeat
    G: Gastric upset
    H: Heavy fullness in the chest between the breasts.

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