You hear the term Heart Disease thrown around, but do you really know what that means?  I didn’t until I did some research on the American Heart Association website.  According to heart.org, heart disease aka cardiovascular disease, is a simple term used to describe several problems related to plaque buildup on the walls of the arteries.  This includes, heart attack, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol, and peripheral artery disease.  The scary part is heart disease is the No. 1 killer of U.S. men and women.

Who’s at risk?

1. Smokers- smoking exposes you to carbon monoxide, which robs your blood of oxygen and triggers a buildup of plaque in your arteries.  Smoking also increases the risk of blood clots in your arteries.
2. People with high blood cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.
3. People with high blood pressure
4. Diabetics- having high blood sugar levels can lead to increased plaque buildup in your arteries.
5. People with Body Mass Index over 25+, especially those who carry most of their weight in their mid-section
6. People who eat a diet high in saturated and trans fats and a lack of physical activity.

While Heart Disease is no laughing matter, we do love this video depicting the life of a busy mom, that may be all too familar to many of us!

The awesome news?  80% of heart disease issues can be prevented.  Following a healthy diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best place to start.  Try to add as many fruits and veggies to every meal as possible…the more colorful your plate, the more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you’re consuming.    You should also be eating more whole grains, food rich in “good fats” such as peanuts and avocados, and lean protein, while limiting your consumption of saturated fats and sodium.

What else can you do to lower your risk of this deadly disease?

1. Get more sleep-this isn’t optional.  Sleep is essential to the repair of your body after a long day.
2. Stop smoking- More than 50% of heart attacks of middle-aged women can be attributed to tobacco.
3. Eat more fiber filled veggies and cut out the saturated fat
4. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.  Try our new “Only 10 Get Moving” DVD’s that can help you shape up and get moving in only 10 minutes.
5. Maintain a healthy weight- SENSA can help you decrease the amount you eat overall to help you lose weight, which can further lower your risk of heart disease.  Remember to check with your physician before starting any weight loss program.

I want to wish everyone good luck in their endeavors to move toward a healthy lifestyle.  I know it’s hard, but it’s definitely worth it!  Good luck!

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Posted in Health and Wellness, Main at February 5th, 2013 by Yolanda

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