Did anyone happen to know that February was American Heart month?¬† Yep, back in 1963 Congress required each sitting president to proclaim the month of February as such.¬† The American Heart Association helps draft each year’s proclamation and here is a link to this year’s version http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/American-Heart-Month-2009/.

Now you might say what does this all mean to me?¬† Well, if you happen to be young, in a good weight or BMI for your height and no history of heart disease or know anyone that could be a target for it, then nothing.¬† For the vast majority of all others here’s another chance to review the issues the number 1 killer of men and women each year.¬† I would think if something is statistically first in any category you’d want to pay attention to it.¬† Let me say this one more time so that there are no mistakes, heart disease is the NUMBER ONE KILLER of ALL men and women.

Here are the major risk factors that may lead to this problem:

  • 1. High blood-pressure or hypertension – It was thought that any number above 120/80 was considered a problem, but now they want it to be anything¬†under 110/70.
  • 2. High Cholesterol – This number is thought to be bad with an HDL level above 100. Cardiologists now fell that getting the level to 70 reduces the risk by half.
  • 3. Obesity – When measuring the Body Mass Index (BMI) obesity is a level above 30 and extreme obesity is above 40.
  • 4. Physical Inactivity – Doing absolutely nothing that is considered exercise, even walking, stores fat and cholesterol throughout the body and literally chokes it from the inside.
  • 5. Smoking - Use of tobacco is down among teens, but not enough that this factor is still a huge leader in the onset of a heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI).
  • 6. Diabetes - Over 50% of all Americans (with a huge majority being overweight or obese) will develop Type II diabetes in their life time.

What can you do to reduce the risk and even correct some disease?  Here are 4 things that can help you turn things around for good;

  • 1. Eat a heart healthy diet – One with advanced carbohydrates and high in fiber, low cholesterol, low sugar and higher protein with be better for your heart and help reduce weight as well.
  • 2. Get regular physical activity – Setting up a routine of exercise anywhere from walking to marathon running will help reduce your risk. A plan to exercise 30 minutes a day 5 times a week will get your heart in a much better place.
  • 3. Maintain a healthy weight - Taking your body below 30 on the BMI scale is a start to reduce the risk.
  • 4. Stop Smoking - getting rid of the cigarettes and cigars in your life dramatically reduces the onset of heart disease.

 

Here is a short video on 5 things that you may not know about men and their risks for heart disease:


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Give Away

Now here’s a little incentive to help¬†anyone with heart disease, I’m teaming up with Pom Wonderful to offer those individuals that leave a comment about their understanding, risks, and stories of their loved ones or yourself on issues with heart disease, a chance to win a case of their fantastic pomegranate juice. NOTE: Sorry that this is open to US residents only for the product.¬†¬† I can attest to the taste of this stuff.¬† ¬†I thought I wouldn’t like this, but it really is a tasty drink and they didn’t pay me to say so.¬†¬† Here’s the kicker with pomegranate juice, there are major health benefits from ingesting just 8oz of this daily.¬† Medical research on this little fruit said “patients who participated in published clinical studies experienced significant improvement in heart, prostate & erectile health after drinking just eight ounces of Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice daily”.¬† What I can also throw in is a coupon for 3 others for discounts on this drink.¬† The coupons are good for USA and Canada. ¬† Just leave a comment below to enter.¬† Winner selected and announced on Monday 2/23/2009.