Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, 1 out of 3 adults have some form of heart problems.Some of the risk factors of heart disease such as age, sex, and family history are beyond our control but others such as weight and blood pressure can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Many people do not realize the importance of healthy lifestyle and when they do, it is too late to reverse the disease state. It breaks my heart when I see 35 years old man getting a stent placement or a 52 year old, smoker with 35 years of smoking history..Just remember simple, small changes can make a big difference in living a healthier, longer life!
1. Do Not Smoke:According to WHO, about 15 billion cigarettes are smoked worldwide everyday. FYI smoking is the 2nd leading cause of death!
2. Make your plate colorful: Eat rainbow of fruits and vegetables for each meal/snacks.Not only they are lower in calories, they are rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
3. Watch your sodium: The new recommendation is 1500 mg/day which is less than 3/4 tsp. Believe it or not, 75% of sodium in our diet comes from canned, processed products. Therefore, limiting those will help cut down sodium.
4. Limit saturated or unhealthy fats such as butter, lard, trans fat, shortening and Focus on unsaturated or good fats from avocado,nuts and seeds, salmon, tuna, trout,etc..
5. Physical activity: Enjoy at least 30 minutes involving in any exercise most days of the week, could be walking, jogging, swimming, running...
Many people do not fully understand the consequences of poor diet and inactive lifestyle..When we are young, health problem may seem like light years away but you never know when it will strike down on you!Therefore, please make an effort to live a healthy lifestyle because no wealth, power or beauty can protect you from any disease.
"February is an American Heart Month"
