February is American Heart Month and we’re celebrating with awareness, join us won’t you?! Heart disease is scary stuff. We hear about cancer on a daily basis, but do you know what causes heart disease, a leading cause of death, and how to best prevent it? Let’s have a little heart-to-heart…

1. DON’T SMOKE! Tobacco, nicotine, and carbon monoxide in cigarettes are a triple threat for heart disease. The good news is that upon quitting, risk decreases immediately.

2. Eat healthy. Less red meat, more vegetables and lean protein. Less sugar, more fruit. Less white flour, more whole grains. Less salt, more herbs and spices. Although maintaining a healthy weight is optimal, weight does not necessarily correlate with health. Click here for some helpful nutrition tips.

3. Exercise. Daily. What strengthens the heart? Getting the heart pumping! Schedule regular workouts you enjoy and move more throughout the day by walking, taking the stairs, etc. Exercise and healthy eating are often far more effective than medication in promoting heart health.

4. Go to the doctor. Be sure to get your blood, blood pressure, and cholesterol checked regularly to stay on top of any risk factors.

One Healthy Breakdown: unlike other diseases, heart disease is very preventable. Yet another reason to make some healthy changes TODAY.