Submitted by Stacy Kendall, American Heart Association |
Our hearts. Our choice.
Many women are surprised to find that heart disease is the number one killer of American women, but it is also one of the most preventable health conditions. With simple lifestyle changes, even the busiest of women can take positive action to reduce their risks of heart disease and protect their health.
10 Ways to Love Your Heart
• Get regular checkups.
• Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers.
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations for diet and exercise.
• Take prescribed medications as directed.
• If you smoke, quit now.
• Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables, whole-grain foods and fish.
• Limit food high in saturated fats and dietary cholesterol.
• Limit your salt intake to 2300 mg of sodium a day.
• If you drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation — an average of no more than one drink a day for nonpregnant women.
Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s national call for women by women to take charge of their health and live stronger, healthier lives. Visit www.goredforwomen.org and assess your heart risk by taking the Go Red Heart CheckUp. Also find heart-healthy recipes, healthy lifestyle tips and inspiring stories.
I am convinced that a great number of heart operations are performed to enrich the medical establishment and big pharma. Five years ago I was advised that I wouldn’t live a year unless I had bypass surgery and a valve replacement. Being over seventy years old, I decided that the risks and expenses would be greater than I was willing to assume. I opted to rely on lifestyle changes and good nutrition. My heart ejection fraction is up to 45% from 20% and Cardiologist scheduled my nest appointment for over a year from last one. May not work for everyone but it did for me.
Hi Dave. Thank you for taking the time to comment on our article. Happy to hear that your lifestyle change had a positive impact! You share an important message: Diet is so important to maintaining a healthy body! Thank you again for passing along your experience. Best in health and happiness, HB Magazine