📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

“Women do not always have the typical signs and symptoms associated with heart disease—or the things that we see on TV, the jaw, the chest, all of those things,” says Kate Ruud, director of critical care at East Alabama Medical Center, who joins Start a Conversation to reveal why heart disease has stubbornly remained the number one killer for over a century—and why it continues to catch women by surprise.

Today, Kate shares the unexpected factors that put women at risk, from misattributed symptoms to the cardiovascular implications of menopause and pregnancy. She explains why sleep, stress, and even lifestyle changes as simple as mindful breathing can make all the difference. With a background in cardiac ICU nursing, Kate brings both clinical depth and practical wisdom to help listeners take heart health seriously—especially when “small changes can make a huge difference.”

Tune in to Start a Conversation to learn why your habits, genetics, and stress might be more central to heart disease risk than you ever realized—and why paying attention to your body could save your life.

1. Your heart sends signals—don’t ignore them. Take symptoms seriously and seek help fast; your body is talking, so listen and act.
2. Regular check-ups save lives. Schedule routine visits and know your numbers—catch risks early and stay ahead of heart disease.
3. Small changes yield big results. Prioritize sleep, stress relief, exercise, and a Mediterranean-style diet—progress isn’t all-or-nothing.
4. Don’t write off stress—manage it intentionally. Build stress-reduction and breathing techniques into your routine; your heart will thank you.
5. Moderation is your superpower. Enjoy treats, alcohol, and indulgences in balance but ditch the smoking for good—your future self depends on it.

"Women do not always have the typical signs and symptoms associated with heart disease or the things that we see on TV—the jaw, the chest, all of those things. Women are also much more likely to write their symptoms off as anxiety or back pain. Having those atypical symptoms and then being much more hesitant to seek help are some of the reasons that women can get themselves in trouble."

"Our heart works primarily as a pump, but what it services is the rest of our body and those blood vessels. So when our heart isn’t working as well as a pump, we’re not feeding all of our important arteries and organs like we should be."

"I think it’s really important to have regular checkups, know your numbers, and pay attention to any symptoms you’re feeling. Small changes can make a huge difference. The sooner we can do things, the better."

https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/

RESOURCES

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn

Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/

Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co

Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube

“Some people who have never enjoyed exercising will come to TRU40 class and tell me after class, oh my goodness, I love that so much. I’ve never actually liked exercising until this moment. So try it out, can’t hurt,” says Sara Teel, owner of TRU40 Auburn, who joins the show to reveal how reimagining movement as self-care can transform not just your physical fitness but your entire relationship to yourself.

From her beginnings as a 4th-grade teacher to leading an empowering fitness community, Sara shares the unexpected ways group exercise cultivates connection, resilience, and joy—even for those who’ve never loved the gym. She explains how TRU40’s signature blend of heart-healthy workouts and supportive community helps people of all backgrounds unlock functional strength and rediscover the joy of moving, often for the first time. Sara offers candid stories of clients who overcame health hurdles, revealing that transformation lies not in punishment, but in finding a space that grounds and fills you up from within.

Ready to rethink what loving yourself can look like? Tune in to Start a Conversation and discover how Sara Teel is redefining movement, heart health, and self-care—one class, one story, one heart at a time.

1. Moving your body is essential—not just for your heart, but your mind and everyday life. Find an activity that works for you and make movement a joyful, regular part of your self-care.
2. Community matters. Whether you thrive in group exercise or prefer solo walks, choose spaces and people that uplift and motivate you.
3. Self-care isn’t about luxury; it’s about nurturing yourself in ways that ground and nourish you from the inside out. Prioritize meaningful rituals that truly fill you up.
4. Small changes yield big results. Physical activity can improve blood pressure, mobility, and make daily tasks easier—commit to just one class or walk to start.
5. Don’t wait for motivation—try something new like a TRU40 class, even if you’ve never liked exercise. Take the first step and discover the joy of feeling better in your own body.

TRU40 Auburn (exercise studio) - https://www.tru40auburn.com/

Website: https://true40studio.com/

American Heart Association - https://www.heart.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn

Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/

Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate

🎙️🎙️🎙️

Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co

Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/

Most conversations today feel loud, rushed, and surface-level — and yet the decisions that shape our businesses and lives deserve something deeper.

Join Nonet Reese for thoughtful, elevated interviews with founders, leaders, and visionaries who care about clarity, growth, and building something that actually lasts. Each episode features intentional conversations designed to cut through noise, challenge assumptions, and explore what it really takes to move from concept to closing — in business and in life.

If you’re an ambitious professional, entrepreneur, or creative who values substance over hype and wants real insight on leadership, strategy, personal growth, and meaningful success, this show is for you.