| Greetings from the MaineHealth WOW! Team! |
| Happy February!
We at the WOW! Program hope you are enjoying the wealth of snow we have received thus far this year.  Our feature recipe this month showcases beautiful burgundy beets. This savory dish will bring a healthy splash of color to your table in the midst of the winter's white. Serve our spicy Cardamom Beets to your Valentine this Saturday, or simply make make them a part of everyday eating.
As we mention in the 2009 WOW! Calendar, this month the WOW! Spotlight is on American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.
Wondering about your heart disease risk? Make sure you "know your numbers." These include:
- Blood Pressure
- Fasting Cholesterol (total, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, triglycerides)
- Blood Pressure
- Fasting Blood Glucose (blood sugar)
- Body Mass Index
- Waist Circumference
Once you have these numbers, calculate your risk of having a heart attack or stroke using the tool available at the American Heart Association website. You can also learn ways to "Have a (Healthy) Heart" by clicking here.
Don't forget, MaineHealth members with health insurance can visit their providers for the above preventive screenings (and many more) without paying co-insurance (your usual $15 office visit co-pay applies). Getting these screenings will also put you on the path to getting your WOW! Rewards, and give you "Superhero Status". For more information, keep an eye out for your Superhero Workbook.
Speaking of heart health, are you a smoker who is ready to kick the habit? MaineHealth WOW! can help. See Tobacco Tales below for information on how you can get help quitting at no charge!
Have a healthy and happy heart month!
Lisa Belisle, MD, MPH
Medical Advisor, MaineHealth WOW!
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