Family Living Focus: February is Heart Health Month

Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota     

There is a good chance that you, a family member or a friend could be affected by heart

disease.  That is why you should be aware of what you can do to reduce your risk for

coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and many other heart conditions.

Here are some guidelines to follow that can help you maintain a healthy heart and prevent

heart disease.

If you smoke, stop.  According to the American Heart Association, a smoker’s risk for

heart attack is more than twice the risk for nonsmokers.

Follow a heart-healthy diet.  Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and stay

away from foods with saturated fat and cholesterol.

Exercise regularly.  Daily physical activity reduces your risk for heart problems and

helps control risk factors like obesity and high cholesterol.

Have your physician check your cholesterol level.  Risk for heart disease

increases as cholesterol levels increase.

Keep your blood pressure under control.  High blood pressure can cause the heart to

weaken over time.

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.  Ask your participating physician what a

Proper weight is for you.

February is Heart Health Month.  Take care of your heart and prevent heart disease.

Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus information from Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus – University of Minnesota in next week’s paper.

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