Interview with Barbara Eden: A Wish from the Heart

Barabara Eden Wants Women to Take Charge of Their Health

Perhaps best known for her starring role in the TV series I Dream of Jeannie, Barbara Eden has enjoyed a long and successful career as a stage, screen and television actress. Today, Barbara is a passionate health advocate for women. She recently talked to My Hometown Health about her interest in women’s health issues and her involvement with Go Red for Women, a social initiative created by the American Heart Association to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

How did you get involved with the Go Red for Women campaign?
The American Heart Association called and asked me to participate in the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show in New York City. I was honored to be asked and gratefully accepted the opportunity.

Tell us what that experience was like?
Well, I have to tell you, when I was walking down the runway, I was gritting my teeth. I had knee replacement surgery only six weeks earlier, and that type of surgery has a long recovery period. And I wasn’t able to take any kind of serious painkillers because opioids make me nauseous. Afterwards, there was a party and all the other women who participated in the Red Dress Fashion Show were dancing. But all I could do was stand in one place and move my arms around. It was funny. But I was glad to be part of a group of wonderful women all working for a great cause.

What motivated you to participate?
I’m always ready to help women become more aware not only about their heart health but also about women’s health issues in general. As women, we tend to ignore our health problems. We’ll take care of our children’s health in a heartbeat and nag our husbands when they don’t go see their doctor. But when it comes to our own health needs, we make ourselves a low priority. For many women, their schedules are so busy with work and family responsibilities that going to the doctor, getting enough exercise or eating a heart-healthy diet are just not very important priorities.

What do women need to know about heart health?
First and foremost, we need to know the heart attack symptoms that are specific to women. A woman can often have a heart attack without experiencing the heavy chest pressure that a man usually does. Instead, the pain or pressure is located in the lower chest or the upper abdomen. A woman can also experience shortness of breath, feel lightheaded or even faint. Pressure in the upper back is another symptom.

For far too long, physicians often ignored these signs of a heart attack in women, but that has changed dramatically in recent years. Women have to take some responsibility, too. Because of our menstrual periods, we’re used to feeling aches and pains in our bodies. So when something doesn’t feel right, we tend to ignore the symptoms and never imagine we could be having a heart attack. I know that happened to Rosie O’Donnell and it almost killed her. She started feeling sick. Her body ached. Her skin felt clammy. She even looked up the symptoms for a heart attack online. Even then, she thought there was no way she was in danger. All she did was take two aspirin. She waited until the next day to seek medical help, and that’s when an EKG revealed she had 99 percent artery blockage.

How do you stay heart-healthy?
I get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week, either walking or riding a stationary bike. I also have a 40-minute workout using weights. I watch my weight by avoiding sugars and fats, which are so bad for you and so easy to pick up and eat.

Barbara, do you have any final thoughts that you would like to share?
There’s one message I do want to share with all women: If you really love your family, then keeping yourself healthy and alive has to be your first priority. It really is as simple as that.