Act In Time: Health Story

Aired on Lifetime Television
February 24 and April 6, 2008
Show 507

Heart disease kills more women than any other health condition, including breast cancer. Prevention of heart disease and swift action during a heart attack are the two best ways for women to protect themselves. Heart attack symptoms tend to be different for women than men -- women tend to have less chest pressure and may have more shortness of breath or discomfort in the middle or upper back. For heart attacks, it's critical to act in time, says noted cardiologist Dr. Susan Bennett. "Act in Time" has become a campaign and includes the reminder for women that calling 9-1-1 immediately at the first onset of symptoms is crucial. But as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Cancer survivor Debra Tidwell-Peters follows a wellness program and sees Dr. Bennett regularly to monitor and improve her health. Regular exercise, eating right, keeping cholesterol in check and avoiding smoking are all terrific ways to stay healthy and dramatically reduce the chances of getting heart disease by up to 83 percent, proving it's always important to "act in time."