My heart health + free ❤️recipes

Author

Shelley Malcolm
February 13, 2025

Hello friends,

Welcome to February!

When I think of February, I think of hearts—Valentine’s Day, love, and, of course, our actual hearts. And here’s something a lot of women don’t realize—I certainly didn’t: heart disease is the #1 killer of women, and our risk goes up during menopause. Sorry to be dramatic, however, I do think this deserves our attention.

I’ve been watching my cholesterol creep up over the past few years, and it made me a little nervous. So, I decided to get a CAC (Coronary Artery Calcium) scan, which checks for calcified plaque in the arteries around the heart. My results? Not great. Even though I consider myself healthy, this was a wake-up call. The good news? There are steps I can take—and am taking—to minimize my risk.

If your cholesterol has been creeping up in pre- or post-menopause, know that there are ways to proactively address the root cause—whether it’s diet, exercise, stress, sleep, genetics, or a mix of factors. I work with many women who’ve been diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), and I get it—it can feel scary—but not knowing and facing a cardiac event? That’s even scarier.

If something about your health has been nagging at you, listen to that voice and seek out more information. It might be worth asking your doctor about a CAC scan—a quick, inexpensive test (about five minutes!) that gives you a clearer picture of whether your cholesterol numbers actually matter. It’s always better to know than to wonder. ❤️

Yours in optimal heart health,

💕 A Valentine’s Gift Just for You!

As a little thank you for being part of this community, I’ve put together something special—25 delicious, heart-healthy recipes to nourish your body and soul. These recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for showing yourself (and your loved ones!) some love this Valentine’s Day.

Enjoy, and know that I appreciate you! 💖

  • Follow me on Social Media. If you’re on Instagram or Facebook, you might enjoy some of the tips and tricks I’m sharing. Let me know what you think!

  • Ready to feel your best? Starting in March, I’m welcoming five new women into my virtual practice! If you’re curious about what it’s like to work with a Menopause Nutritionist, let’s chat. Book a free menopause consultation, and we’ll see if it’s the right fit—I’d love to hear your story.