8 Steps to a healthy
heart and life.

Think of them as stair steps. Expect to put out some effort, but consider the reward _ each one adds another layer of protection against heart attack.

  These steps work for men and women of all ages and races. In fact, studies suggest that if enough people adopt them, they could cause a worldwide reduction in heart attacks.

1. Don't Smoke

Smoking more than doubles your risk for heart attack and makes it less likely that you'll survive one. It damages your heart on it's own, and it interacts with other factors to make them more dangerous. Breathing secondhand smoke is also bad for your heart. If you smoke... quit. Within teo years of quitting, your heart attack risk will decrease by one-third.  

2. Keep your weight down

Even with no other risks, being overweight or obese makes you more likely to have a heart disease _ especially if you tend to carry extra body fat around your waist. Loosing as few as 10 pounds can lower your risk. Start by eating a heart-healthy diet and getting more exercise.

3. Eat fruits and vegetables

These foods contain nutrients and phytonutrients (beneficial compounds found in plant foods) that promote a health heart. The more colorful foods are, the more nutritious they are. Continue reading »