September is Heart Month: Why Her Heart Matters in Kinsale

September is Heart Month: Why Her Heart Matters in Kinsale

At Kinsale Pharmacy, we’re passionate about keeping our community healthy — and this September, we’re proud to support Irish Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against heart disease and stroke. This year, the Irish Heart Foundation’s campaign “Her Heart Matters” highlights a crucial message: heart disease is just as much a women’s issue as it is a men’s, yet it remains under-researched, under-diagnosed, and often overlooked in women.

Why Focus on Women’s Heart Health?

Did you know that one in four women in Ireland dies from heart disease or stroke? That’s the same rate as men, but historically, women’s heart health hasn’t received the attention it deserves. As women enter menopause, their risk rises, but 80% of premature heart disease and stroke cases can actually be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. The key is awareness and early action.

Many women do not recognise the symptoms of a heart attack, often attributing them to less serious conditions or delaying medical attention. This can lead to tragic outcomes that could otherwise be prevented with prompt action.

Recognising the Symptoms

Heart attacks in women don’t always manifest as crushing chest pain. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, nausea, discomfort in the jaw or back, sudden fatigue, and light-headedness. Knowing these warning signs — and acting quickly — can save lives.

If in doubt, Kinsale Pharmacy encourages all our customers, friends, and family members not to wait: seek medical help immediately.

How to Protect Your Heart

– Prioritise regular blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose checks — ask in our pharmacy or contact your GP for advice.
– Choose a heart-healthy diet: focus on plenty of fruit, vegetables, fibre, whole grains, and limit saturated fat, salt, and sugar.
– Aim for regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or joining the national “10,000 Steps a Day Challenge” — even small increases in activity make a big difference.
– Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Small sustainable changes build lifelong protection.

Join the Conversation: Her Heart Matters

This September, take part in the Irish Heart Foundation’s events — including webinars, free resources, and local campaigns. World Heart Day falls on September 29th, so let’s mark our calendars for community action, whether by organising a walk, sharing awareness posts, or checking on loved ones.

At Kinsale Pharmacy, we’re here to support every woman in our community to talk, share, and feel empowered about heart health. Drop in for friendly advice, screening, or simply to pick up a Heart Month leaflet — together, let’s keep Kinsale’s hearts beating strong.

For more information, visit www.irishheart.ie — and follow us for local Heart Month activities and tips.

Stay heart smart this September — because Her Heart Matters at Kinsale Pharmacy.

Sources
[1] September is Irish Heart Month: Let’s Keep Our Hearts Healthy! https://safetymatters.ie/advice/september-is-irish-heart-month-lets-keep-our-hearts-healthy/
[2] Her Heart Matters Campaign – September 2025 https://hsehealthandwellbeingnews.com/her-heart-matters-campaign-september-2025/
[3] Her Heart Matters https://irishheart.ie/campaigns/her-heart-matters-heart-month/
[4] Irish Heart Month – September 2025 https://nationaltoday.com/irish-heart-month/
[5] Coming up in the Irish Heart Foundation https://irishheart.ie/news/coming-up-in-the-irish-heart-foundation-6/
[6] September is Irish Heart Month https://www.mhfi.org/news/442-september-is-irish-heart-month.html
[7] HEALTH INFORMATION CALENDAR 2025 https://hselibrary.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Health-Information-Calendar-2025-5.pdf
[8] World Heart Day 2025 https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/