STAYING HEART HEALTHY:

February is National Heart Health Awareness Month, and there is so much going on to increase awareness of heart disease and ways to prevent it.  I just came back from visiting my daughter at college. Her sorority has an annual Red Dress Gala to raise money for the Alpha Phi Foundation and women's cardiac care research.  It was a wonderful affair, and the girls all looked beautiful dolled up in their red dresses! 

As with so many other diseases, our food and lifestyle choices are really important in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.  All of these things are within our control:

• Don't smoke.  Smoking greatly increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.  In case you don't know the details, check this out from the NIH.
• Reduce stress.  Stress can cause real changes in our bodies that can lead to heart disease.  Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are all helpful in bringing down stress levels.
• Exercise regularly.  Exercise can help lower stress levels, as well as help with weight loss and bringing down high blood pressure.  Brisk walks count!  If exercise is not part of your daily regimen, speak to your physician for specific suggestions.
• Maintain a healthy weight.  Being overweight can lead to diabetes, high cholesterol, and other serious health issues that will negatively affect your heart.
• Eat a healthy diet!!!!   You have to eat anyway, so you might as well make healthy choices.  Adding lots of vegetables, high quality protein, fruit, healthy fats, and eating primarily unprocessed foods will make an incredible difference in your health. Making these changes will facilitate weight loss and improve every aspect of your well-being. 

Do you need help getting your nutrition on track to support a healthy heart?  Click here to set up a free 30 minute phone consultation (new clients only).