Start! Your Heart

Over the last few years, as a society, we've been told that Cardiovascular Disease is our Number 1 killer (especially for women). From high rates of obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and high blood pressure, there's no wonder why our poor little hearts have started screaming that they've had enough. So what can we do individually to literally give our hearts a fighting chance? We can begin by healthier eating and beginning an exercise regime.

Where do you begin when deciding to eat for a healthy heart? The four main considerations are to eat less fat, less sodium, fewer calories and more fiber. I know many people who think that eating healthy is bland and boring. Both of these statements couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact, here's a heart friendly recipe for Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Ricotta and Goat Cheese. Click here for more heart friendly options.

Now that you've started eating healthier how can you squeeze in physical activity? One way is to participate in the American Heart Association's Start! Program. Start! was initiated by the AHA to combat this WHOPPING statistic: 70% of Americans don't get enough physical activity. Most say it's due to the fact that they don't have the time because of the many hours we work as a nation. There are still others that just aren't motivated...period. The premise of Start! is to have employers and their employees start down the path to healthier living and physical activity by walking. Ready to get your walk on? "Start" by participating in Start! Walking At Work Day on April 25.

As cliche as it sounds, we really do need to be "heart smart" and "good to our hearts". It's amazing how little changes can make a big difference. Start! your heart and make the choice to live longer!

JOIN ME IN HELPING THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION FIGHT THE NATION'S LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH. PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TODAY TO HELP ME REACH MY HEART WALK GOAL.