Over 2 Million Americans May Have Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation More than a decade ago, afib was a little-known condition. After creating Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, patient advocacy organization StopAfib.org worked with medical society partners to get the U.S. Senate to designate September as National Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Awareness Month, which they did, in 2009. “That’s why now is the perfect time to remind people what afib is and how to recognize it in themselves or others, so they can get treatment (or ensure their loved ones do) before they develop a stroke, heart failure, or dementia,” said StopAfib.org founder Mellanie True Hills. Afib is the most common irregular heartbeat. Having afib increases a person’s stroke risk by 500%. According to the Framingham Heart Study, after the age of 55, there is a 1-in-3 lifetime risk of developing afib. It affects over 6 million people in the U.S., a number that will increase as the baby boomers age. Most people with afib experience palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, and sometimes a racing heartbeat. Some report that their heart feels like a fish that is flopping around in their chest. “Still, about one-third (over 2 million people in the U.S.) may be walking time bombs … they don’t feel any symptoms at all but are at risk for an afibrelated stroke,” True Hills said. “And because COVID-19 causes heart damage for many, including arrhythmias (heartbeat issues), we will likely see an increased number of people living with afib. That’s why it’s more important than ever that people know
these steps:
what it is and how to recognize it.” After having a procedure that made her afib-free, True Hills founded StopAfib.org to help others living with afib and to prevent afib-related strokes. Because afib can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll on patients and their family members, StopAfib.org has curated a collection of news stories, webinars, and masterclasses to help increase knowledge about afib, so those living with it can improve their quality of life. To learn more about the risk factors for afib, how to identify it, and/or how to manage it for those who already have it, visit StopAfib.org. In honor of National Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Awareness Month, StopAfib.org recommends taking
1. Stop and listen to your heart for racing, palpitations, or an irregular heartbeat. 2. Visit the doctor if you suspect you might have afib. 3. Get checked for underlying risk factors, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. 4. If diagnosed, make a plan with your doctor for managing your afib so you avoid a stroke, heart failure, and even dementia. Just as importantly, tell friends and family members about afib to help increase awareness, and visit stopafib.org for more information.
Succeed in Your Career — at Any Age Things get harder as we age, and career progress is one of them. Ageism is a problem for older people in any industry, whether they’re looking for a new job, a promotion, or just the chance to try something new. Here’s some advice from the Business 2 Community website on how to overcome it: Shift your mindset. Don’t fall for the stereotypes yourself. You can learn new skills at any age, so stop thinking you’re too old to change. List all your skills, every job you’ve had, all your experiences, and the various problems you’ve solved in your career. This will remind you what you’re capable of doing, no matter your age. Network. Stay in touch with the connections you’ve made throughout your career. Check in often to let them know you’re still interested in doing new things. Make an effort to expand your network with fresh contacts by continuing to go to conferences, in-person or virtual, and seeking out interesting people in your industry — and out of it — to correspond with. This keeps your mind fresh and helps keep your name out there. www.50plusLifePA.com
Create a personal brand. Develop a brand statement that distinguishes you from everyone else. This lets potential employers and others quickly see everything you have to offer. Include examples of your skills and specific expertise. Your brand statement should also let people know you’re active on social media and knowledgeable about the tech tools everyone needs these days to excel. Prepare for questions. Interviewers will want to know how much longer you plan to work, the schedule you expect, how adaptable you are, and the like. Be ready with answers that emphasize your enthusiasm for your career and your willingness to do what it takes to succeed. Enhance your résumé. Look for gaps to fill. You can start with a Google search for required skills in your industry. Then get the training you need to strengthen your résumé in appropriate areas, like social media, data analysis, Microsoft Office, and the like. This not only increases your expertise, but also shows employers that you’re willing and able to learn.
50plus LIFE
September 2021
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