Women, Take Heart! (NAPSA)—The American Heart Association (AHA) recently created an education program specifically for women. Many Americans don’t realize that heart disease is the number onekiller of women. Because heart disease can be prevented, the American Heart Association urges women to take charge of their health now to invest in the future of their heart health. I pay particular attention to AHA Health Goals @Q Maintain a healthy BMI < 25 Maintain o healthy waist circumference < 35” Maintain o healthylipid profile: Total cholesteral < 200mg/dl; HDL cholesterol > 55mg/dlTriglycerides < 150mg/dl Maintain healthy blood pressure < 120/80mmHy Have on annual check-up tain fiber and other compounds that are good for the heart. For a tasty breakfast, top your trail mix with milk or stir into nonfat because I am atrisk for heart disease. My father had a yogurt. heart attack when When I asked for another he was 48 and important lifestyle change, Ms. . most of his rela- Karmally quickly recommended Mindy Hermann tives had heart dis- daily physical activity, both ease. Although I “sports” and the movementthat is can’t change my family history, I part of your daily routine. Housecan lower my risk by living a work, gardening, walking the dog, healthylifestyle. and even putting away dishes or Diet is an important place to groceries count! At work, walk toa start, says Wahida Karmally, coworker’s desk rather than phonR.D., director of nutrition at the ing or e-mailing, park in the farIrving Center for Clinical thest spot, and take the stairs Research at Columbia University rather than the elevator. in New York City. “Eat a variety of The American Heart Associafruits and vegetables, switch to tion Web site, www.american nonfat milk and yogurt, and, try heart.org, provides additional tips non-meat types of protein like soy, and information on how women kidney beans, lentils, or other can improvetheir heart health. legumes a couple of times per Ask Mindy week.” Ms. Karmally also sugQ: Is it okay to eat eggs? gests eating fatty fish like salmon; Peter, Portland, OR their omega-3 fatty acids help A: Eggs are high in cholesterol, lower blood cholesterol. with over 200 milligrams per egg. Looking for a tasty snack idea? The suggested daily limit for choMake your own heart-healthy lesterol is 300 milligrams. If you trail mix by combining one cup of enjoy eggs, limit yourself to no Whole Grain Total with a table- more than seven per week and spoon each of raisins or chopped limit other foods with cholesterol, dried fruit and unsalted nuts. namely meats and regular dairy Both whole grains and nuts con- products. wonnee nee nee nee eee eee eee OND een e ene - ee nee eee ----Note to Editors: This is Series IV—21 of 26.
