The Last Days of Winter.

Spring officially arrives March 21st. Since this is the Feb-Mar edition of Women with Vision I have chosen to deal with what some people call the gloomiest time of the year, this two month bridge to Spring time.

I hope it helps you navigate through the last days of winter.

February is heart month, not just Valentine's day on the 14th but also the time to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation and make your self aware of Heart Disease. Here are a few bits of information.

Did you know Women and Men experience different heart attack symptoms? These are different from those usually identified with having a heart attack. Therefore physicians and patients alike often fail to recognize a heart attack. Women experience "silent heart attacks" more often than men. Men tend to experience strong chest pains while women's symptoms are often less distinguishable appearing and fading spontaneously. As a result heart attacks in women often go unnoticed or are blamed on other unrelated health problems.

Do you know the symptoms of a heart attack for women? A woman experiencing a heart attack may have a few or all of the following symptoms.

1. Feeling of suffering heart burn
2. A non-specific pain in the chest ( may include neck, jaw, shoulders)
3. Nausea and or vomiting
4. Sweating, paleness
5. Feeling of unidentifiable anxiety
6. Difficulty with breathing or shortness of breath
7. General weak feeling

Helpful sources
www.womenshealthmatters.ca • www.heartandstroke.ca • www.cwhn.ca • www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Knowledge is power so in the month of February think of your heart health and your physical well being in general. Schedule your medical appointments. Realistically asses your wellness agenda. Are you overweight? Do you need a fitness regimen? Explore and settle on what works to move you forward towards a realistic goal for the year.

This is also an excellent time to review your winter clothing. What's in your closet that you are not wearing? Rather than hoarding these items that are simply taking up space in your closet help those less fortunate than yourself and donate this excess. Your reward will be two fold, a closet with breathing space and the joy of giving and helping others.

As for Valentines' Day make it a day to acknowledge the people in your life who make a difference. Often we lament the lack of a significant other on this day. However, love is present and also expressed through friendship and relationships. If your are fortunate and have loving friends and family make February 14th the day to acknowledge them. Call, write, or gift them your time and/or a small Valentine item. Set out to make them smile and let them know that you appreciate their love and kindness throughout the year. It is the thought that counts. Regardless of who is part of your life, they will enjoy the warmth of your Valentine's expression. In turn, once again if you are inclined to be blue in the winter, making others feel good will chase the blues away.

Don't forget yourself when you are treating others. This time is a great time to recharge and rejuvenate and perfect yourself. Look after yourself. Do you want a new hair do for spring? Now is the time to go for it! Does your wardrobe feel drab? Explore the items that will brighten your present wardrobe and move you forward into spring and summer. Try a pashmina scarf/shawl in your favorite colour. It will warm you now and serve you well on strappy dresses as well. Treat yourself to a new accessory that adds a cheerful sparkle to your clothes, a chain belt, a necklace with coloured beads. Select that special something to cheer you and add a friendly inviting personal statement.

Regardless of how you decide to spend your time, remember life passes by quickly and nothing stays the same. So enjoy your days, be productive and take time for yourself and those you care for. Today is tomorrow's memory.