An Action Plan for Heart Health Part 1

February 16, 2007 by Renee @ 08:38 AM

The last two days were about the major risk factors for heart disease. The next two posts will be about creating an action plan for having a healthy heart.

Here’s the heart truth: If you eat a nutritious diet, get regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and stop smoking, you will improve your heart health. No matter what heart disease risk factors you have—or how many—you will greatly benefit from taking action in these four areas. If you already have heart disease, you can lessen its severity by following this plan.

True, you may need to take other steps to prevent or control heart disease. For example, if you have diabetes, you also will need to keep your blood sugar levels under control. But eating a good diet, controlling your weight, and getting more physical activity will help you keep your blood sugar at healthy levels. These steps will also help reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol. Whatever your current health conditions or habits, this action plan can make an enormously positive difference in your heart health. To find out how to get started, read on.

Eat for Health

The health of your heart has a lot to do with the foods you eat. One good eating plan is the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which also includes advice for overall health and food safety:

Choose a variety of grains daily, especially whole grains.
Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.
Choose a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and moderate in total fat.
Choose beverages and foods to moderate your intake of sugars.
Choose and prepare foods with less salt.
If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
Aim for a healthy weight.
Be physically active each day.
Keep food safe to eat.
Let the Food Guide Pyramid guide your food choices.

Tuesday: Aiming for a healthy weight