The State House and Silver Linings

January 2, 2019 jessica diaz

The State House and Silver Linings. Today is a very special day. Today, I submitted a Bill at the Massachusetts State House to help prevent strokes in Women. This is something I am passionate about and something I have been working on for years. This is a bill that would ask doctors and health care providers to administer a blood test to women to see if they test positive for a blood clotting disorder, called Factor V Leiden, prior to women being put on birth control. Women who have factor V Leiden (FVL) are at a significant greater risk for a stroke when taking birth control pills. Factor V Leiden can also increase the risk of stroke during pregnancy and for a period of time post-partum. As of today, there is no existing set policy for screening women for FVL prior to giving them birth control pills. Today, with the support of Allyson Perron, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association, and Massachusetts State Representative Dan Ryan this bill is being introduced. A big thank you to Sean Getchell, Representative Ryan’s aid, for the years and years he has spent listening to me talk about this, and to Allyson Perron who has also spent years helping me but this Bill together. This Bill still has a long way to go, but it is a start.

Let's Raise Heart Rates For Heart Health

January 31, 2017 jessica diaz

Happy National Heart Month! Valentine's Day is not the only way to celebrate the heart this month! Join me for a fun girls night out to raise heart beats and awareness on February 16, 2017 at 7pm at Ink Block Boston. The night will start off with a unique class created by myself and Kick It by Eliza founder Eliza Shirazi. The awesome workout we have put together combines Barre inspired sculpting techniques with the high energy, heart pumping cardio benefits of Eliza's kickboxing routine. After the class there will be shopping for quality, sustainable second hand clothing from GoGarbaj, and organic fair-trade products from Organic Bath Company, and cold- pressed juice refrechsmens from Mother Juice. Proceeds from the evening will go to The American Heart and American Stroke Association. I am so excited for this event and so grateful to Eliza and all of the sponsors for helping to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke and to support the the American Heart and Stroke Association. Since having my stroke four years ago, I have been on a journey to spread the message that embracing a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce ones risk of heart disease and stroke. I can think of no better way to celebrate heart month and continue to spread awareness then at this heart-healthy night out. Tickets are $15, and space is limited. Purchase link.

A Loss That Sheds A Big Light on Women's Health

January 12, 2017 jessica diaz

All over national news this past week is the sad news that the talented Carrie Fisher and her mother, Debbie Reynolds passed away from cardiac arrest and stroke.

The loses of two admired and adored public figures has helped shed more light on the number one killer of women, heart disease, and stroke, a leading cause of disability in women. What also has been highlighted, is that the fact that heart disease and stroke not only impact the very old, but women of all ages. My stroke occurred when I was 36, at an age I never thought I was at risk.

Surviving A Stroke

November 18, 2016 jessica diaz

I had a mild stroke at the age of 36. I had heard of stroke; I just didn’t know I was eligible for one in my thirties. I was having a stroke and did not even know it. Luckily, I went to the emergency room and was diagnosed right away. I was experiencing loss of control and feeling in the left side of my body, followed my an immensely painful headache and dizziness. Once I was admitted to the hospital and my stroke was diagnosed, doctors told me that I would likely be in the hospital and then a rehab hospital for 5 weeks, as I would need to retrain my brain to control my left leg, which I was unable to move at the time. I was shocked, and as a mother of two young children, wife, and fitness instructor,I was devastated. Fortunately, the day after my stroke, I regained movement of my left leg and was discharged just four days later. My doctors attribute my being in good physical health as big factor in recovering so quickly. My doctors determined my stroke was caused by a blood disorder, called factor V leiden, that increases risk of blood clotting, as well as they found I had a small hole in my heart that allowed a clot to pass to my brain.