Are You Wearing Red Today?
Feb
5Posted in [Women’s Health] By LifeWayKefir LifeWayKefir
2/5/2010 3:03 PM
Numbers are all around us: The number of emails in your inbox, the number that pops up when you hop on the scale, the amount of money in your wallet. But we’re willing to bet that while you know how much you weigh or what you spent on sushi last night, you don’t know your LDL cholesterol or your Body Mass Index - the numbers that truly matter most.
The American Heart Association is on a mission to change that. Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans than the next seven causes of death combined - including cancer – and yet so many of us neglect to take care of our ticker. And despite the fact that women seem to be more fearful of breast cancer, it’s heart disease that’s poised as the No. 1 killer of females. The AHA’s goal is to achieve a 25% reduction in coronary heart disease and stroke risk by the year 2010. Part of reaching that goal means changing the perception that heart disease is a "man's disease."
Whether you smoke, subsist on junkfood, are 20 (or 200 pounds) overweight or are constantly stresses, chances are there’s some room for improvement in your heart health regimen.
Remember the A, B, Cs:
Avoid tobacco
Be more active Research has shown that getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on 5 or more days of the week can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level. But something IS better than nothing. If you’re doing nothing now, start out slow. Even 10 minutes at a time may offer some health benefits. Studies show that people who have achieved even a moderate level of fitness are much less likely to die early than those with a low fitness level.
Choose nutrition A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight cardiovascular disease. The food you eat (and the amount) can affect other controllable risk factors: cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and overweight. Choose nutrient-rich foods — which have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but are lower in calories — over nutrient-poor foods. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole-grain and high-fiber foods, fish, lean protein and fat-free or low-fat dairy products - like kefir!! - is the key. And to maintain a healthy weight, coordinate your diet with your physical activity level so you're using up as many calories as you take in.
To learn more about where your numbers should be, click here. To join the Go Red campaign on Facebook, click here. On processing, please waiting for ...