The Pause to Relax

02/23/2026

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women — and too many of us don’t see it coming.
This morning, I had the privilege of joining Good Morning Maryland on WMAR-TV to talk about prevention, advocacy, and why women must take their heart health seriously — especially during American Heart Month.
After my own experience with atrial fibrillation, I made it my mission to help women understand the warning signs and protect their future.
🎥 Watch the full segment below.
📕 My book The Pause to Relax — A Woman’s Guide to Robust Heart Health is available now.
Your heart deserves attention before there’s a crisis.

02/22/2026

Take a guess.

What percent of all doctors visits are linked to stress?

The American Institute of Stress (stress.org) says the number tops 85% .

Stress impacts us all, and for women, we have evolving demands that may raise the risks of CVD.

Here's the hopeful, good news - lessening stress is attainable with awareness of the toll of emotional burdens.

Click on the link to my article. I'm sharing
some awareness tools for life and to protect your heart.

https://www.lindapenkala.com/media/attending-to-emotions

02/20/2026

February is Black History Month. The perfect time to talk about some alarming health statistics that affect the Black community.

Did you know that Black men and women have a higher predisposition to stroke, heart disease and hypertension?

And only 46% of people who suffer from cardiac arrest receive CPR from a bystander, which is 41% less likely if the person is Black or Hispanic.

The American Heart Association with Heartfelt Unity, is raising the bar of awareness within the Black community, beginning with CPR.

Click this link to learn the 3 CPR steps to save a life.

https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/bernard-j-tyson-office-of-health/black-history-month

If you scroll down, under Black Health Innovators, Dr. Joycelyn Elders,
a pediatrician and public health administrator was the first Black and second female U.S. Surgeon General.

A sound voice for preventive health care!

02/11/2026

During this heart health awareness month, please join me to make a difference in the lives of women! I have partnered with fellow heart health advocate Suzie Jeffreys and her Go Red for Women campaign. We are raising awareness and funds to help get the word out so women don't have to perish from CVD way too early. Purchasing my book, The Pause to Relax, is one way to educate all about the risk factors, but also to gift women with a plan and purpose to thrive.

Thanks in advance for sharing and for donating to enable more women to enhance their health, longevity, and wellness:

Woman of Impact nominees are changemakers using their voices to make a difference. Together they will raise much needed funds, take charge of their health, advocate for all women and change policy.

02/06/2026

I am rocking my red today to raise awareness of heat disease in women. You should too. Here's why. Take listen.

02/02/2026

I had the honor of being a guest on my dear friend Brenda McGregor's "If Only" podcast last month.

We talked about a wide range of topics as you can tell from the title of my episode
" How two firings led to horses-healing hands-and a mission to save women from heart disease.

Here's the link. Take a listen https://brendamcgregor.com/podcast

01/19/2026

It's a holiday for many of us and if you've got a few minutes to spare, check out this article I wrote for You Health magazine.

The title says it all: Your Heart Health is In Your Hands

https://www.lindapenkala.com/media/your-heart-health-is-in-your-hands

01/17/2026

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for your heart is… pause.
In this moment, I was simply sitting, looking out at nature—and that stillness matters more than many people realize.
Research consistently shows that relaxing activities like:
• looking at nature
• taking a gentle walk
• slowing your breathing
• practicing stillness
can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and support heart health. Chronic stress keeps the body in a constant “fight or flight” mode, which puts unnecessary strain on the heart. When we slow down, we give our nervous system—and our heart—space to recover.
Protecting your heart doesn’t always require doing more. Sometimes it means doing less, more intentionally.
💚 For more heart-healthy tips, visit lindapenkala.com
📘 While you’re there, you can also purchase my book, The Pause to Relax: A Woman’s Guide to Robust Heart Health.

01/13/2026

A Harvard study revealed a brief 30 minute nap 2-3 times per week lessened coronary heart disease by 12 %.

Napping 3 or more times a week reduce the risk by 37 %.

You can read more details about the benefits of a power nap in my book "The Pause to Relax : A Woman’s Guide to Robust Heart Health".

To purchase a copy visit my website: lindapenkala.com . Also available on Amazon.

01/06/2026

If January feels heavy, you're not alone. Stress doesn't disappear with a new calendar. It requires awareness, kindness, and intention. I wrote a lot about this in my book: The Pause to Relax: a Woman's Guide to Robust Heart Health. I want to share a few tips from the book in the video below. Take a listen. stressandtheheart

12/29/2025

In a world of texts and quick taps, some gestures still stop us in our tracks. Linda Penkala shares a heartfelt reminder about the unexpected power of receiving a handwritten card--especially during the holidays. It’s a simple act. But it carries thought, time, and care. Take a moment to watch Linda's message and reflect on how small, intentional gestures can build deeper, more meaningful connections-one envelope at a time. Happy New Year everyone!

12/24/2025

Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace, good health, and moments that truly matter-like these that captured just a few special times with you on my journey to advocate for women's heart health.

Thank you for being part of this heart-centered community.