February Is Heart Month
By STOUTjodee
@STOUTjodee (3670)
United States
February 18, 2013 4:55pm CST
February is Heart Month, not just for Valentine's, but also to be aware that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart diseases are the leading cause of death for men and women. There are 5 healthy habits one can do to help prevent heart diseases.
1) Exercise Walking briskly or aerobic exercise . Exercising can can also reduce blood pressure and it gives one efficient oxygen consumption. Find a parking spot far from the door,take the stairs instead of an elevator.
2) Nutrition Eat breakfast. Switch margarine and shortening to monounsaturated fats (such as olive and canola oils),getting omega-3 nutrients by eating fish and reducing your sodium/salt.
3)Keep hydrated Drink plenty of water and 100% fruit juice. Add lemon or lime slices to your water.
4)Reduce Stress Use yoga or meditation. If something is stressing you out take a "time out" to step away from the situation and do some deep breathing.
5) Be Positive and Have Fun Take time to stop and smell the roses and spend time with family.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@GardenGerty (169568)
• United States
19 Feb 13
It is really just a coincidence, but this month I started back to the YMCA. I am endeavoring to do at least thirty minutes of aerobic activity at least three days per week. I mostly ride the stationary bike. I like that I can monitor my heart rate, as well as keep track of calories and distance. It makes me feel like I am doing something.
@STOUTjodee (3670)
• United States
19 Feb 13
Good for you GardenGerty!! Well, you made the first step of going back to the YMCA and once you're there you will enjoy it.
@yoyo1198 (3641)
• United States
18 Feb 13
Thank you, jodee....I can manage all of that and do except for the brisk walking and exercise. After double hip replacements and osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, I have difficulty with walking even a few hundred yards. I do well to stand long enough to cook a hamburger.
Otherwise, I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in. 
@STOUTjodee (3670)
• United States
19 Feb 13
Oh, I know sort of what you mean @yoyo1198, I have arthritis in my back so it hurts to walk too much. I know where I lived at before in the winter months people would get together and walk the mall. Good to hear that you're in pretty good shape for the shape you're in!
Thanks for responding!
Thanks for responding!
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
19 Feb 13
I do a lot of walking, not the brisk or aerobic exercise but long walks. I do not drive. I find that with fats, natural fats are the best so that using butter instead of margarine is good. Cooking with olive oil or coconut oil or a combination is good. So much of what you say is good.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
18 Feb 13
great deal.. Ive lost alot of friends and family here to heart attacks.
@STOUTjodee (3670)
• United States
19 Feb 13
I know that now that I'm getting older I'm finding I have more health issues than I did before or maybe it was because I had the problems but kept better care of myself. Thanks for responding!
@Angelpink (4031)
• Philippines
19 Feb 13
Hello there ! Just to have an additional input to prevent heart disease is to stop smoking and drinking . Have an adequate rest and sleep . Eat foods which are low in fats and sugar. Always eat fresh fruits and vegetable and most important thing is to have a self discipline. It so easy to follow things being said if one have self discipline.
