Many people think of heart disease as a male health problem. As a result, women sometimes ignore warning signs of heart disease – often with devastating results. But the reality is heart disease doesn't discriminate. It is a leading cause of death among Canadian men and women, with some important differences.

Age of onset

The risk for heart disease in men begins to increase in their 40s, whereas, on average, women may be protected for another seven to 10 years. But women with a close relative – parent, sibling or child – who develops heart disease before age 55 (men) or 65 (women) are at increased risk even earlier. The same applies to women with other risk factors for heart disease including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or those who smoke.

Physical activity

Women are less likely to protect themselves with physical activity. More women (50%) than men (44%) are inactive – and an inactive woman has twice the risk of developing heart disease.

Diabetes

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease in women to a greater extent than in men. The reason for this is not fully understood, but it may have something to do with the interaction of female hormones with blood sugar and insulin.

Different warning signals

The most common signal of a heart attack is severe chest pain or discomfort and a sudden inability to breathe. But women may be more likely to describe the pain as radiating up their neck, into the jaw or back, and to report nausea versus sweating.

To protect themselves, it is important for women to recognize all of the warning signals of a heart attack (see chart) and seek immediate medical attention. Signals may be mild or severe and may come and go, so don't take chances – seek immediate medical attention.

"Women who have any symptoms that could be heart-related should talk to their doctor," says Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson, Dr. Beth Abramson.

To find out more about women and heart disease and stroke, visit www.heartandstroke.ca.

The bad news is that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, affecting one in seven men during their lifetime. The good news, however, is that the progression of damage caused by early-stage prostate cancer can be stopped, and even reversed. And the antidote?

A change in diet! The Journal of Urology recently published an article that outlines the influence of an ultra low-fat diet in the battle towards prostate cancer. Following a one-year study, participants who altered their diet experienced a 4% decrease in PSA (prostate specific antigens) levels, as well as reduced prostate cancer cell growth. The participants who did not alter their diet experienced a 6% INCREASE in PSA levels. So, of what does this ultra low-fat diet consist? The following list outlines certain types of foods that you may want to add to your diet:

• Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale: these veggies contain phytochemicals that rid the body of carcinogens, thus reducing cancer cell growth.
• Tomatoes: tomatoes contain lycopene, a substance known to reduce PSA levels, inhibit cell damage, and slow progression of cancer cell growth. Cooked tomatoes, such as tomato juice and tomato sauce, contain more lycopene than raw tomatoes.
• Red wine, onions, green tea, pomegranate juice: these very different types of food and beverages have one thing in common – polyphenols. This substance has been credited for hindering the development of prostate cancer.
• Soy milk, soybeans, tofu: soy foods contain isoflavones, which may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• Fish (omega-3 fatty acids): fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and should be consumed 3 times per week, if possible. Omega-3 fatty acids help to hinder prostate cancer growth.
• Vitamin E and selenium: these two compounds help to control cell damage. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, seeds, and leafy green veggies, while selenium can be found in chicken, seafood, nuts, onions, whole grains, and garlic.
  
  

Varicose veins are those unsightly thick and lumpy bluish-green veins that protrude from your legs. It is estimated that 41% of women suffer from abnormal leg veins by the time they are in their 50s. Doctors cannot pinpoint the exact cause of these veins, but certain factors, such as heredity, aging, obesity, hormones, and standing too long, can all play a role in the development of this ailment. There are some easy ways, however, to prevent varicose veins – or to at least relieve the discomfort of those that already exist:

• Exercise regularly to promote blood flow to your legs.
• Control your weight. Excess weight only puts more pressure on the veins in your legs.
• Do not cross your legs while sitting.
• Elevate your legs above heart level 3 to 4 times daily, if possible.
• Wear elastic support stockings, and refrain from wearing restrictive clothing around your waist and groin.
• Do not stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. Change your position frequently.
• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet, as salt causes water retention and swelling.

"All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!"
~ Lucy from Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz

It's true – a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt at all. In fact, it's quite good for you. Recent studies show that chocolate can help to prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, and reduce bad cholesterol. Studies, however, were based on the consumption of dark chocolate – not milk or white chocolate. The difference is that dark chocolate contains significantly higher amounts of cocoa mass, which contains flavonoids. This natural compound, found in cocoa beans, helps to inhibit blood clot formation and allows blood vessels to relax. Flavonoids can also be found in other foods, such as apples, onions, soybeans, blueberries, red wine, and green tea.

If you really enjoy chocolate, you now have more reasons to indulge! However, before you go on a chocolate binge, remember these three points:

• Chocolate cannot replace any type of medication.
• Chocolate contains many calories. Eat a balanced diet and limit the amount of chocolate you eat per day.
• Dark chocolate contains the most flavonoids. Choose a bar that contains at least 70% cocoa mass. Some good picks include Lindt Excellence Noirissime, Cote d'Or Brut, Cocoa Camino Bittersweet, and Godiva Cocoa Demitasse.