APPLETON (NBC 26) — Simone Fearon, MD, a physician leader with ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care in Appleton discusses heart health and stress in the age of the pandemic.
According to a press release from ThedaCare, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women, with stress often identified as a major contributing factor. The coronavirus pandemic certainly has increased the world’s stress level.
“The pandemic is raising the stress level of many people,” said Simone Fearon, MD, physician leader with ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care in Appleton. “Women seemingly may be experiencing increased stress at a greater rate than men. That’s concerning for women’s current and long-term heart health.”
ThedaCare says the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently highlighted a study that reported: “Women accounted for 55 percent of the 20.5 million workers who became unemployed in April 2020 [because of the pandemic], compared to 13 percent for men….The coronavirus crisis has battered industry sectors in which women’s employment is more concentrated—such as restaurants and other retail establishments, hospitality, and health care.”
That study also noted that school and daycare shutdowns due to the virus put more responsibility for childcare on the shoulders of women, along with the need to assist children with virtual learning. In addition, women tend to have fewer jobs that accommodate telecommuting, and many middle-aged women also are often involved in caring for older parents.
“All those responsibilities can create a level of stress that is hard to cope with,” said Dr. Fearon. “That makes it important for health care providers to watch for stress-related health changes in their patients, such as weight gain, increased blood pressure readings and other indicators. It is also important that women make taking care of their health a priority. We are learning the health issues women face in middle age can have a significant effect on their long-term heart health.”
According to ThedaCare, a recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAMA) focused on women between the ages of 42 to 61 and identified seven markers – Life’s Simple 7 – that can indicate a woman’s likelihood to develop heart disease. The list includes these factors and their suggested ideal results:
· Body mass index – less than 25
· Physical activity – 150 minutes/week of moderate activity
· Diet – more fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains; less sugar and sodium
· Blood pressure – less than 120/80
· Cholesterol levels – less than 200
· Blood sugar – less than 100 mg/dL
· Smoking – lifetime non-smoking preferred or having quit for more than a year
Dr. Fearon said the JAMA study reported that, “…women who felt more stressed at their jobs or in their roles as caregivers, mothers and spouses had greater odds of having high blood pressure, being overweight and not eating a healthy diet.”
Dr. Fearon has some advice for reducing stress. “First and foremost, try to reduce the occasions that cause you to become stressed,” she said. “Then focus on improving your health: stop smoking, eat healthy food, maintain good sleep habits, get regular physical activity as well as all recommended health screenings. Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, swimming, playing tennis, yoga and outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, skiing and snowshoeing, will benefit both your mental and physical health.”
A positive mental attitude is also key to good health.
“It’s proven that positive thinking helps us mentally and physically,” she explained. “Focus on the good things in your life, and it might help push out some of those negative thoughts.”
Finally, the doctor says it's important to take it one day at a time.
“The current pandemic is unlike anything the world has experienced in the last 100 years,” she said. “It’s not unusual that people are experiencing increased stress. We shouldn’t become stressed about having stress. Instead, let’s seek ways to counteract it. If we put more focus on doing things to improve our physical and mental health and reach out to family, friends and/or medical professionals to support our needs, we can help one another weather this pandemic and go on to lead healthier lives.”
