Did you wear red today?
If so, then you joined literally thousands of people across the country for National Wear Red Day – an event designed to raise awareness about women and heart disease.
Why is this important?
Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year.
Women – your mom, your sister, your cube neighbor, your best friend – are dying at the rate of one per minute. So basically, by the time you have read this, another woman has died of heart disease.
You don’t have to be one of those women.
According to the American Heart Association, 80 percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made better choices when it comes to diet, exercise and not smoking.
So here are some tips to get you on your way!
Eat better
- Go with smaller portion size and eat more slowly
- When preparing food do more baking boiling, broiling, grilling, roasting or stewing
- If you want a high-calorie food, enjoy a small portion. If you won’t be satisfied with the small portion – don’t eat it at all
- Saturated fat should be kept at less than 7 percent
- Keep red meat at a minimum – opting for more lean cuts.
Get active
- Set aside time in your day for some physical activity.
- Walk over your lunch hour, park farther away from your work entrance or take the stairs.
- Consider active social outings like going to the zoo or museum – where you can walk and still enjoy the time with family or friends
Stop smoking
- This is difficult but if you prepare for that last cigarette and the cravings that are sure to follow you will be successful.
- If you are considering medications to help you quit, speak with your health care provider first.
- Establish a support team to help you along the way or seek out programs which may be beneficial to reaching your goal.
Don’t be one of those women – start making changes today!
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