February is just for Valentine's Day!

February is not just for Valentine's Day!  National Heart Awareness Month is in February.

February is when we celebrate National Heart Awareness Month which helps raise awareness of heart disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States killing more than 600,000 Americans each year. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack.

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and secondhand smoke are also risk factors associated with heart disease.

There are some things you can change in your diet to keep your heart healthy. Read the nutrition labels and make your food selections based on the following:

•Select fat-free, 1% fat and low-fat dairy products

•Choose heart-healthy fats over saturated fats and trans fats

•Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars

•Purchase and consume foods lower in sodium/salt

•Limit foods that are high in dietary cholesterol. Try to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.

•Choose more whole grains, legumes, fresh produce and low fat dairy products

•Choose lean cuts of meat and pork

•Take the skin off poultry before serving

•Do not salt food at the table

•Reduce the amount of sugar in recipes

•When stir-frying, include fiber rich vegetables, such as peppers, cabbage, broccoli, and carrots

•Include fish regularly in your diet

•Watch portion control at all meals

•Be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes a day

•Stop smoking

•Drink alcohol in moderation

Be good to your heart this month and make some positive changes for a healthier you.

Source: www.nutritioncaresystems.com / By Angie Windhorst, RD, LDN