February is American Heart Month!

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.

The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.

Tips for Heart Health:

Don’t smoke, and if you do, quit.  Women who smoke are two to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smoking women.  Smoking also boosts the risk of stroke and cancer.

Aim for a healthy weight.  It’s important for a long, vigorous life.  Overweight and obesity cause many preventable deaths.

Get moving.  Make a commitment to be more physically active.  Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.

Eat for heart health.  Choose a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and moderate in total fat.

Know your numbers.  Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), and blood glucose.  Work with your doctor to improve any numbers that are not normal.

For more information on heart health: www.heart.org/HEARTORG/