Heart Health Month

Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year—that’s 1 out of every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. (Centers for Disease Control (CDC))

Many of the risk factors of heart disease are controllable! As you'll see in the CDC's plan for prevention below. Please note that "eat a healthy diet" is on the top of the list.

We probably all know at least one person affected by heart disease. Those families may be well versed in this information and know what needs to be done to improve health in the future. For the rest of us, the CDC's website offers wonderful information on preventing heart disease. Check out the CDC link for more information; I've provided only the topics below:

Plan for Prevention

Some health conditions and lifestyle factors can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. You can help prevent heart disease by making healthy choices and managing any medical conditions you may have.

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Monitor your blood pressure.
• Don't smoke.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Have your cholesterol checked.
• Manage your diabetes.
• Take your medicine and follow your doctor's instructions.

For more ideas about simple steps to take every day for better heart health, visit the full page of tips. You can also follow the Million Hearts initiative on facebook and Twitter for even more ways to protect your heart and live a longer, healthier life. Million Hearts™ is a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the United States by 2017. Together, we can prevent heart disease, one step at a time.


Action Item: If you are not already exercising, get out today and walk. Your heart will thank you!

For Further Reading: 28 Days to a Healthier Heart and Controllable Risk Factors of Heart Disease