Choose Healthy Habits to Prevent Heart Disease

February is American Heart Awareness Month, a time when all people can take a moment to focus on their cardiovascular health. Below you will find strategies for keeping your heart health at the forefront of your lifestyle. 

• Develop healthy habits such as eating foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol to help prevent high cholesterol.
• Limiting salt in your diet can also lower your blood pressure. 
• Limiting sugar in your diet can lower your blood sugar level to prevent or help control diabetes.
• Get regular physical activity – Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
• Don’t smoke – smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease.  
• Take medications as directed –  If you take medicine to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don’t understand something. Never stop taking your medicine without first talking to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htm