February is about more than valentines and candy hearts. It’s also American Heart Month.
Heart health is important, especially in Indiana, where heart disease is the number one cause of death for Hoosiers.
Some risk factors for heart disease are beyond your control, such as age, ethnicity, and family history.
Key risk factors for heart disease include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking, and about half of Americans have at least one of these risk factors.
Steps to take to reduce heart disease include:
– Check with your doctor to determine your personal risk of heart disease.
– Cut down on foods high in cholesterol, sodium, and sugar.
– Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and whole grains.
– Exercise three to five times per week.
– Keep a regular sleep schedule and try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
– Limit your caffeine intake.
– Limit your alcohol intake.
– Take steps to control and reduce stress.
