In honor of February being American Heart Month, here are some steps you can take to keep your “ticker” healthy. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 27 million American adults live with it. This sobering fact is magnified when you consider that heart disease is largely a “lifestyle disease” that can be prevented through some very simple actions.
The top three changes are all lifestyle-focused. People must stop smoking, increase physical activity and eat a healthful diet. These changes can be a tall order, especially if you’re struggling with all of them. Therefore, this column primarily focuses on the dietary changes you can make to reduce the risk of heart disease. This is by no means meant to substitute for medical care, so talk with your physician or a registered dietitian to learn more.