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- Achy, Breaky Heart (Health Edition)
Achy, Breaky Heart (Health Edition)
Happy Wednesday! February is Heart Awareness Month, so consider this your crash course! If the past week has felt like a stress test, you’re not imagining it—major administrative shake-ups (goodbye, DEI language) and everyday stress are taking aim at our hearts (literally). From how stress impacts women’s heart health to why teenage angst might have lasting consequences, we’ve got the breakdown. Deep breath—let’s dive in! ❤️🚀

Credit: CMT & GIPHY
In Today’s Edition:
Stressed about administrative changes? [We hear you educators], you aren’t alone
Schools, colleges have 2 weeks to ban DEI or risk the loss of federal funds
Heart attacks don’t always give you chest pain
Don’t worry be happy…says science
Teach kids to chill now, their hearts will thank them later
Pro-tip on repeat: YOU CAN effect change.
Exciting Announcement
🩺 Trending News

Credit: GIPHY
Stressed about administrative changes? [We hear you educators], you aren’t alone
Feeling your blood pressure rise with each political headline? You're not alone. A study in JAMA Network Open and published by Harvard Health found that heart attack rates spiked by 42% in California during the five days following the last presidential election. The stress of political turmoil isn't just in your head—it can affect your heart too. 🥹
Schools, colleges have 2 weeks to ban DEI or risk the loss of federal funds
DEI policies are changing — and educators are at the heart of the matter. Recent administrative moves, like the abrupt elimination of DEI programs in education, have left many educators and students reeling. You heard us right! Effective last week, the Department of Education's directive to dismantle these initiatives has sparked confusion and concern across campuses nationwide. Such sudden policy shifts can be more than just bureaucratic headaches; they may also contribute to increased stress levels, potentially impacting cardiovascular health.
As we navigate these turbulent times, it's crucial to prioritize self-care. Incorporating stress-reducing activities like exercise, mindfulness, and meditation into your routine can help mitigate the physical toll of political and administrative upheaval. Remember, staying informed is important, but so is protecting your health. 💔
⚙️ The More You Know
Heads Up! Heart Disease is the #1 Cause of Death of Women in the U.S.

Credit: nhlbi.nih.gov
Heart attacks don’t always give you chest pain
Think a heart attack always means chest pain? Think again. Medical experts are finding that many people, especially women, experience very different warning signs. These "anginal equivalents" can be easy to miss or brushed off as something minor.
Instead of chest pain, you might feel short of breath, tired for no reason, nauseated, feel heartburn, mild pressure, or light headed. Some people get pain in their jaw or back or only sweat with minimal effort (like after eating). Pro-tip: I see women ignoring (or being brushed off) with these symptoms FREQUENTLY. As shared by Harvard Health, not spotting these signs early enough can mean dangerous delays in getting help. If something doesn’t feel right, as a patient or provider, LISTEN or SPEAK UP! 💡
Don’t worry be happy…says science
Ladies, ever feel like stress has it out for you? Turns out, it might be aiming straight at your heart. A recent Journal of the American College of Cardiology study reveals that psychosocial stressors—think financial struggles, childhood adversity, or the never-ending juggling act of caregiving—hit women particularly hard, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease.
And if your spouse is driving you up the wall? Science is on your side. Research shows that among women with coronary heart disease, marital stress is linked to a 2.9-fold increase in recurrent heart events. (Feel free to casually mention that at dinner. 😉)
From puberty to menopause, stress doesn’t just weigh on your mind—it can take a toll on your arteries, too. The real kicker? Women may be even more vulnerable than men due to differences in stress responses and inflammation.
Teach kids to chill now, their hearts will thank them later
Teen stress isn’t just drama—it’s a long-term health risk. An 18 year prospective study links high adolescent stress to increased rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The fix? Early stress management and mental health support could mean healthier futures. Moral of the story: The next time your teen is stressing over a math test or a social snafu, remember: helping them manage that stress healthily isn't just good parenting—it's setting them up for a healthier future. 🧘♀️
💡Inspiration for Aspirations
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.
Pro-tip on repeat: YOU CAN effect change.
If you feel compassionate about policy. Make your voice heard. Write to your local, state, and U.S. Representatives. Better yet, make an appointment! We have even included the easy button below. Push push away! 🎯
🤖 Artificial Insight: Discoveries in AI
🚀 Exciting Announcement! 🚀
Dr. Beaudoin is honored to be the keynote speaker for the Physician Associate Foundation (PAF) Women in Philanthropy (WIP) Network virtual meeting on Thursday, March 6th, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. ET!
She’ll be presenting "Exploring AI in Clinical Practice and Education: A PA's Perspective", covering:
🔹 How AI is transforming clinical practice and medical education 🔹 Practical applications for PAs patient care and teaching 🔹 Key considerations for integrating AI into daily workflows
The event will also feature WIP engagement updates and a live Q&A session.
🔗 RSVP here, space is limited: https://lnkd.in/gyejZF9E
🔎ICYMI
This was jam packed with new administrative updates [with amazing restraint] and a juicy breakdown of the buzz around AI’s new contender, DeepSeek.
CDC Hits Pause on WHO Collaboration—What This Means for Global Health
Progress on Pause: Brace for Impacts from the Federal Funding Freeze
Foreign Aid Took a Hit Too, Leaving Vulnerable Populations in Limbo
DeepSeek Isn’t a Porn Site: It’s an AI Powered Wrecking Ball—And Big Tech’s Feeling the Smash
ICYMI: Ready to Rumble’s Greatest Hits
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