Heart Health Information
Striving to eat a healthy meal each day can be challenging for most people. The USDA food pyramid is a thing of the past and it is replaced by a plate logo. The plate logo was developed in a simplified matter in an effort to promote healthy eating. Fats are out and oils are not considered a food group but oils do provide essential nutrients. Cakes, pies, etc. are considered "empty calories." The USDA recommends a diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Too much fat is bad for your heart and waistline leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Eating a diet low in saturated fats with plenty of vegetables and an active lifestyle lower these risks.
Heart disease remains to be the No. 1 killer of all adults in the United States
Take the necessary steps to control your heart health. On your next visit to your doctor, make sure your blood pressure and weight is taken at each visit. Get the basic tests needed by your doctor. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent group supported by the Department of Health and Human Services, tests that should be focused on are: people with no symptoms that indicate heart disease, the test focus should include blood test for high blood sugar and cholesterol; people with symptoms of heart disease should get a stress test with an echo cardiogram or a MRI to see the image of the heart.
For more detailed information go the website: www.consumereportshealth.org/hearttests.
More importantly, know the warning signs of a heart attack. There are different symptoms that present themselves for men and women. According to the American Heart Association, Signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort that feels uncomfortable, squeezing, fullness of pain; discomfort in other areas of the body like the in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Most women will feel more like discomfort in the arms, jaw, nausea, to name a few. Other symptoms include cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Seven Steps To A Healthy Lifestyle
STEP 1 - REDUCE BLOOD SUGAR
STEP 2 - LOSE WEIGHT
STEP 3 - EAT BETTER
STEP 4 - STOP SMOKING
STEP 5 - CONTROL CHOLESTEROL
STEP 6 - GET ACTIVE
STEP 7 - MANAGE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Next time you are out shopping for groceries, read the Nutritional Facts and ingredient labels. Make it a habit of limiting your fat intake. Avoid unhealthy oils like palm oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Avoid foods that have the word "crispy", "creamy", and "tempura," because those ingredients have high fat content. Also, get used to drinking milk that is fat-free or low-fat.
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For More Information, Visit The American Heart Association Website.
Videos: The American Heart Association;Warining Signs of a Heart Attack, Seven Steps, and Heart Attack Quiz.
