Keep Your Heart Fit, Too

If you exercise and eat nutritious food, you probably figure you’re pretty healthy.

That’s where the danger lies.

Your jeans might fit but your heart could tell a different story.

More than one-third of the population consider themselves to be in ideal cardiovascular health, according to a survey conducted by the American Heart Association. When in reality, less than 1 percent meets the organization’s criteria for ideal heart health.

Cardiovascular disease is scary. It’s the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke. It’s no wonder federal health authorities dedicate every February to promote American Heart Month.

Clearly, we all can do better for our hearts.

It starts with the understanding the “Simple Seven,” according to the American Heart Association. Practice these healthy behaviors and you’re on a good start to living a longer life:

• Don’t smoke.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Maintain an ideal body mass index.
• Keep healthy levels for cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose.

That’s advice you can take to heart.

Alice Warchol is a freelance health writer and fitness instructor.

Sources: American Heart Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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