American Heart Month 

February is American Heart Month and we want you and your families to be aware, safe, and heart-disease free! One third of deaths in the United States are caused by heart-related diseases, a scary truth that not many know. As a result, keep reading to understand more about this disease, the symptoms, and ways to reduce your risk of heart disease. 


Symptoms of Heart Disease
By WebMD

Coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart attack -- each type of heart problem requires different treatment but may share similar warning signs. It is important to see your
doctor so that you can receive a correct diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Learn to recognize the symptoms that may signal heart disease. Call your doctor if you begin to have new symptoms or if they become more frequent or severe.

 

Preventing Heart Disease - At Any Age
By American Heart Association            

You're never too young- or too old - to take care of your heart.

Preventing heart disease (and all cardiovascular diseases) means making smart choices now that will pay off the rest of your life.

Lack of exercise, a poor diet and other unhealthy habits can take their toll over the years. Anyone at any age can benefit from simple steps to keep their heart healthy during each decade of life. Here's how:



Sedentary Behavior and Cardiovascular Disease

A short walk around the office may reverse some of the damage from prolonged sitting, new study finds.


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Daily Exercise at School Yields Rewards 
By HealthDay

Daily exercise provides cardiovascular benefits even during the preteen years, reveals a new German study.

It found that schoolchildren, who averaged 11 years old, lowered
their blood pressure, improved their levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol and triglycerides and were less likely to be obese if they regularly participated in a supervised exercise program that included at least 15 minutes of endurance training. The research was conducted in the city of Leipzig.
                                 



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Helping Loved Ones With Heart Disease Eat Right
By WebMD

For someone with heart disease, diet is a big deal. Along with other healthy habits, it can slow or even partially reverse the narrowing of the heart's arteries and help prevent further complications.

You can help a loved one who has heart disease  by adopting a diet that curbs LDL (''bad'') cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, lowers blood sugar , and helps with weight loss.

The best strategy: Focus on what the person with heart disease  can eat, not just what's off-limits. Research shows that adding heart-saving foods is just as important as cutting back on others.

These nine strategies will help you plan meals for someone with heart disease:




Health Tip: Follow the 'Simple 7' For a Healthier Heart 
By HealthDay

For a healthier heart, follow these seven simple rules, courtesy of the American Heart Association:
  1. Maintain a healthy blood pressure.
  2. Keep cholesterol levels under control.
  3. Lower blood sugar levels.
  4. Get daily exercise.
  5. Eat a healthy diet.
  6. Lose excess weight.
  7. Quit smoking

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