Wellness

So, how can a woman protect her heart’s health?

1. Know the symptoms of a heart attack. While women can experience that classic chest pain feeling of “an elephant sitting on your chest,” like men typically do, women are actually more likely than men to experience other symptoms of a heart attack, such as:
   
   • Fatigue
   • Chest pressure
   • Nausea
   • Vomiting
   • Back pain
   • Jaw pain
2. Know your numbers. This refers to key markers of heart health like cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. An astounding 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease, and many don’t even know it.
3. Know your family history. If an immediate relative has had a heart attack, stroke, or heart disease, then you’re more likely to have it as well — even if you exercise + eat right. Keep up the heart-healthy activities, but also keep tabs on the potential underlying issues.

• Valentine’s Day Dinner | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 5-9:30 p.m. | Columbia | $65 | Hampton Street Vineyard is presenting an exclusive Valentine’s Day three-course dinner experience.
• Amore Under the Stars | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 6-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $80 | This unique Valentine’s Day experience features champagne, stargazing, an exclusive laser show, and more.*
• 7 Brew Coffee Celebrates 7th Birthday | Wednesday, Feb. 14-Saturday, Feb. 17 | 5-11 p.m. | 7 Brew, 7234 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia | Free | Enjoy a free, limited-edition Valentine’s-themed sticker with a purchase and one free small drink during community hour from 7-8 p.m.

• Step Afrika! | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 8 p.m. | Newberry Opera House Performing Arts Center, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry | $10-$25 | Experience the vibrant rhythm of “Step Afrika!,” a fresh fusion of traditional stepping + African dance — and be captivated by storytelling and humor in a heart-pounding experience.
• Uncle Festers | Colatown Ladies (Singer-Songwriters) | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 8-10 p.m. | Uncle Fester’s Sports Bar, 522 Devine St., Columbia | $10 | This event features local songwriters Heather Rodgers, Ali Enlow, Hope Overlook, and Kat Gandy.
• Evening for Educators | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | Educators from across the state are invited to head to the CMA for an evening of art, wine, and bites as they enjoy a private preview of new exhibitions.

• Gamecocks Baseball vs. Miami University of Ohio Redhawks Baseball | Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 18 | Times vary | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $12-$15 | Baseball season is officially here, Gamecocks.

• Valentines: Wicks & Bubbly - Custom Candle Making Workshop | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 7-8:30 p.m. | AR Workshop, 4711 Forest Dr., STE#14, Columbia | $44.52 | Create your custom candle while vibing to your favorite tunes and sipping on complimentary wine.

• A $2.5 million Tuscan-style three-bedroom, three-bath house on Lake Murray is set for a Sotheby’s auction in NYC next month. Boasting 5,382 sqft on three floors with a covered patio and lake views from every room, its bidding starts online on Thursday, March 7. (The State)

• Celebrate spring at Bierkeller’s Bock and Roll Spring Fest 2024, happening on Saturday, March 9. Enjoy beer, food, German fest vibes, and live rock and roll with a post-punk twist. Try its new Weizenbock (think banana and clove) and the first 20 half-liters will be free.

• $16 million — that’s the amount of money it will likely take to update and improve pedestrian safety along Assembly Street. $3 million is currently available + discussions are underway with state lawmakers for plans to secure funding to proceed with the project. The State has more details.

• Columbia College Athletics announced the addition of Men’s Basketball for an inaugural Fall 2024 season, expanding its athletic program. Director of Athletics Glen Crawford anticipates enhancing student and fan experiences. The school is currently looking to hire a head coach.

• The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is looking for community input on its new 20-year master plan to accommodate its growing passenger numbers. Proposed enhancements include expanding food, beverage, and retail options, widening checkpoints, and more. Share your thoughts via in-terminal surveys + online. (WLTX)

• Plant ahead — The Columbia Garden Club Spring Plant Exchange is on Saturday, March 16 at Talbot’s parking lot, 4809 Forest Dr., starting at 10 a.m. Donations will be accepted from 9:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m. Bring plants (excluding invasive species) to swap.

• If you spent your whole Sunday reorganizing your closet, here’s another spring cleaning suggestion: Move your credit card debt. This card offers 0% interest on a balance transfer until mid-2025. That’s over a whole year to pay off your balance, sans interest. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases.*

• Sigh — yes, morning breath is real. If your struggle with bad breath is ongoing, you may wonder how to fix it for good. Find out what causes bad breath and what steps you can take to prevent it.*

• There’s still time to send Valentine’s Day flowers. Pick up a bouquet at Fern Flower Studio, Something Special Florist, Blossom Shop, or shop same-day delivery bouquets on 1-800-Flowers.*