Welcome to our final newsletter of 2023. We’d like to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season full of joy and good health!
As the holiday season brings us closer to our loved ones, it’s a poignant reminder of the importance of good health.
Heart disease is the leading cause of premature death in women in Canada, yet many women are unaware of the risks and signs that are unique to them.
In the latest episode of the Rebel Mama Hotline, “What’s Up With Women’s Heart Health?” produced in collaboration with WHCC, the Rebel Mama spoke to Dr. Colleen Norris, about how women’s heart health is different than men’s.
Dr. Colleen Norris is the Cavarzan Chair in Mature Women’s Health Research, Lois Hole Hospital for Women, and a member of the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute. Dr Norris is a professor and associate dean of research with the Faculty of Nursing and holds appointments with the Division of Cardiology, the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Medicine, and School of Public Health. She is the past Chair of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance, Health Policy and Services Working Group. Dr. Norris is internationally recognized for her leadership in sex and gender science and in developing and disseminating evidence informed strategies to transform clinical practice and impact public policy related to women’s health.
In this episode, Dr. Norris talks about the symptoms and causes of women’s heart disease and explains how gender (as opposed to sex) affects women’s chances of developing heart-related health issues. For example, women tend to experience more stress, discrimination, and caregiving responsibilities than men, which can increase their risk of heart disease. Dr. Norris also shares tips on how women can prevent and manage heart disease, such as being physically active, eating well, and seeking help when needed.
Listen to the podcast episode here and learn more about the Rebel Mama here. You can also listen to previous episodes from the WHCC x Rebel Mama series which covers important topics like sex and mindfulness, menopause, pregnancy and mental health, and hormones.
