Learn about heartburn, heart attacks and more at Wa-Rite meetings

Wa-Rite is a female-only club that meets on Friday mornings from 9-10 in Clubhouse 3, Room 1. Weigh-ins are from 8-8:45. Dues are $10 a year, plus 10 cents upon signing in. LW ID cards must be shown. Women who want support on their weight-loss journey and to meet like-minded people are welcome to stop by no later than 8:15 to weigh-in and complete the registration paperwork.

On Feb. 21, members learned that the club lost a total of 25.5 pounds in the past week. Melinda Lee was the biggest loser with

WA-RITE, page 10 3-pound loss achieved by watching what she ate. Pat Miller was speaker of the day, discussing the importance of knowing the difference between heart burn and a heart attack, and when to get help and call 911. Miller provided some examples of how these two issues can differ.

For example, after a large meal people can experience a burning sensation in their chest without knowing if it’s heartburn or a heart attack. Typical symptoms of heartburn include: a burning sensation that usually occurs when lying down or bending over, or the pain that may awaken people from their sleep. Usually, heartburn can be relieved by taking antacids.

Heart attack symptoms can include chest pressure and tightness, pain, squeezing or aching sensation in chest or arms, spreadable to the neck, jaw, or back, nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat, fatigue, lightheadedness or sudden dizziness.

For people at risk, it is advised to have baby aspirin in the house. According to statistics, women are more likely than men to experience additional symptoms such as jaw or back pain, shortness of breath, and nausea or vomiting. Heart attacks are more common among people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoke or are overweight.

To determine the core of the issue when these symptoms occur the emergency room doctors may have to run some tests to rule out a heart attack.

Residents with persistent chest pain suspecting a heart attack can call a 24/7 Optum HealthCare Center nurse at 562-795-6216, who will be able to assist. If a nurse suspects a heart attack, he or she will advise a resident to call 911.

Member Sherry Ginsberg talked about her three-month long trip on a cruise ship around the world. And Joyce Brannon made everyone laugh by sharing a funny story.

The weekly food for thought was: “I am able to lose weight. I love to exercise, and I love my body. I am taking small steps towards my goal.”

—Jan Friedland

Melinda Lee