by Pam Uher

Created on: February 19, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

What I have learned about how to reduce my risk of heart disease?

It is obvious we all take the big muscle in our chest for granted. This is the vital part of our body that never gets to relax or take a break; it works 24/7 for the life of the body it inhabits.

Heart attacks and various forms of heart disease are listed by the AMA, as the number one cause of death in America (25%).

But there are many things you can do to prevent heart disease and reduce your risk of heart failure. The Framingham Heart Study has followed 4,000 to 5,000 people (women and men) for over 40 years (first longitudinal heart study research of its type)to determine the risk factors that cause heart disease. This intergenerational research has enlightened the entire scientific and medical community. It has shown without a doubt, if you have heart disease in your family history, you must be diligent in reducing your other risk factors. Here are the ways I am changing my lifestyle and reducing my risk factors/

NUMBER 1

I am eating differently to lose weight, as my BMI of 27 is a high risk factor.

No more sugar or white foods, such as bread and pasta are in my diet. I eat a multigrain flat bread with flax and I use veggie pasta. The only potatoes in my diet now are sweet potatoes. Plus, I drink organic herbal tea, no coffee or soda pop.

This diet change, brought about a loss of ten pounds, within the first 10 days I started my new eating regime.

NUMBER 2

Smoking maybe the worst of the worst high risk factors, so quit now if you smoke. I used mints to suck on and a detox cleansing program to jump start my expulsion of nicotine. It worked and I am now a recovering smoker.

NUMBER 3

High Cholesterol is a very serious risk factor for CVD.

I started drinking "Promise activ"(every morning)it has plant sterols that are clinically prov-en to help lower cholesterol and it does. Mine is down 20 points. I also added oatmeal and more fiber to my diet daily. A diet change can be extremely effective in reducing bad cholesterol and improving good cholesterol, do not rely only on prescription drugs. Stop looking for a band-aid answer to a health issue. Take control of your own body and its well-being.

NUMBER 4

More movement in my day means getting up out of my chair at the computer and walking. I walk the dog or should I say the dog walks me daily. Tai Chi classes will invigorate your heart and mind, I guarantee. And believe it or not weight training (under supervision) is an excellent way to lower blood pressure and

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