National Heart Month: Be Heart Smart

Did you know that February is American Heart Month, and not because of Valentine's Day? Every year since its congressional approval in 1963, the President has issued a proclamation to this effect, to help raise public awareness of heart disease. Even though most people associate heart disease with men, it's also the leading cause of death among women. To raise awareness of this fact, the American Heart Association's Go Red campaign aims to help women take action against heart disease. So wear your heart on your sleeve by wearing something red on Friday, February 6th, which is National Wear Red Day.

Here are some things you can do to help your heart:

• Limit your intake of fat
• Choose heart-healthy fats over saturated fats and trans fats
• Limit your intake of sugars
• Limit your intake of sodium/salt
• Choose more whole grains, legumes, fresh produce and low fat dairy products
• Choose lean meat and poultry
• Include fish in your diet
• Exercise portion control
• Become physically active for 30 to 60 minutes a day
• Stop smoking
• Limit your intake of alcohol

For more on hearty-healthy living: take a look at Low Fat Basics, where you’ll find plenty of articles and resources on lowering the fat in your diet. And elsewhere on About:

• Eating for a Healthy Heart
• What Every Woman Needs to Know About Heart Disease
• Improve Your Heart Health with Greek Food
• Heart-Healthy Diets