Live What You Learn

Here are five ways you can live a heart-healthy life.

1) Check It Out: Early detection of heart disease is critical. See your doctor on a regular basis to check your blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of cholesterol, a waxy substance that can clog your arteries.

2) Eat Heart Smart: The old saying “you are what you eat” is especially true when it comes to taking care of your heart. Four of the risk factors for heart disease—high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity—are directly related to a person’s diet. So avoid foods high in sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and sugars. And eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains.

3) Work Up A Sweat: The heart is like any other muscle. It needs exercise to stay strong and healthy. So get off the couch and start walking, swimming, biking or jogging—any activity to get your heart pumping—at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Be sure to talk to you doctor before starting any exercise program.

4) Lose Those Extra Pounds: Between 60 to 70 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk for heart disease.

5) No Butts: It’s never too late to quit smoking. If you stop today, your risk for heart disease will drop 50 percent in just one year!

Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute