National Wear RED Day

National Red Day is a day in February when many people wear red to show their support for the awareness of heart disease. The Heart Truth is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. This awareness is designed to warn women of their #1 health threat. 

Here's 10 ways to take charge of your heart health:

• Schedule a yearly checkup: Each year on your birthday, schedule a checkup to have your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels checked.
• Get physical: Step, march or jog in place for at least 15 minutes while watching your favorite show.
• Drink more water: Take a water bottle with you wherever you go.
• Eat healthy: Keep unhealthy foods hidden and healthy snacks in front of th refrigerator so that's what you see first. 
• Control cholesterol: To help keep your cholesterol levels low, eat foods low in saturated fat and trans fat, such as lean chicken or turkey, fruits and veggies, low fat or fat free dairy products and whole grains.
• Cut down on salt: To help lower high blood pressure, watch your salt intake
• Quit Smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. If you eat 200-300 calories less than you would normally and exercise at least 30 minutes on most days, you'll  be closer to your goal and achieve weight loss that's steady and painless.
• Stay positive: If you get off schedule, it's ok, it happens but immediately get back on track towards re-establishing a healthy lifestyle.
• Give yourself credit: Reward yourself by doing something you enjoy when reaching a heart healthy goal!

Here at the Academy of Heritage Commons, we support Heart Health!