Heart Health Month is February

February is heart health month, and there is no better time to start paying attention to your heart than while it is still healthy. According to statistics compiled by the CDC " Almost 700,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year. That is about 29% of all U.S. deaths" (CDC. 2008). If you have a family history, parents, grandparents, or siblings who developed heart disease, you too are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease runs in my family, on both sides. Some people are not aware that there are two kinds of cholesterol that play key roles in heart and vascular health. The low density lipoprotein, or LDL, is the well known bad guy cholesterol. High density lipoprotein, or HDL, is the good guy cholesterol. I have an LDL cholesterol reading of only 160, which should be great, but I also have a very low HDL, the good cholesterol. By the age of 40, chest and leg pains brought me to the doctors. I was diagnosed with severe arterial blockages of my carotid arteries, as well as PAD (Peripheral arterial disease), in my legs. Doctors attempts to treat the condition with various medications, such as pletal, caused adverse reactions. This is only advice from a regular person, but in my experience speaking with others, it would appear that many of us low HDL folks have medication compatibility concerns.

Whether you are seeking to begin a preventative health regime, or you are actively in treatment for heart disease, beginning an exercise routine, and eating the right foods are your first line of defense. This February make the decision that could change your life, or save it.

Don't think you can stick to an exercise program? It is easier than you think, and could even be fun. You don't have to join a gym, or invest in expensive equipment. Believe it or not, all you need is your feet, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Simple brisk walks are among the best exercise regimes. Take that first step! Start walking. I did.

American Heart .org has the place to connect with others interested in heart health, and you can go online and become a member. Get a group going in your area! "Join the Community and become part of the Start! Movement. You'll see how walking more can help you live a longer, healthier life! Find your Sole-Mates"(2009. American Heart.org).

The CDC reports that , " Heart disease and stroke are, respectively, the first and third leading causes of death in the United States"(2008.CDC). Too many of us feel that we are just too busy to take the time to start that exercise program and stick with it. Many moms mistakenly believe, like I used to, that keeping up with the kids has us running around enough to count as exercise, it just is not so. As with aerobics, the whole point of that brisk extended walk is to bring the heart rate up. Your heart is a muscle, and like any muscle, can be built up, and toned with exercise. Having fun while you do it is a bonus of starting a walking group.

So get out there and start walking towards a longer healthier life. On your journey, If you smoke, quit, if you don't, don't start.Remember to eat healthy, increase the fruits and vegetable, and cut back on red meats.

http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/.(Accessed 07 January 2009).

http://community.mystartonline.org/home(Accessed 07 January 2009).

http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/(Accessed 07 January 2009).