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Wear red day

January 30, 2008|Jennifer Howard

The month of February is American Heart Month and Friday is National Wear Red Day. Heart Disease is the number one killer of American women. It kills one of every three American women. Everyone is encouraged to wear red on Friday to encourage women to take care of their hearts.

Cardiovascular disease is mostly preventable, so understanding these serious health threats can make a lifesaving difference. Much research needs to be done on heart disease in women, but there is valuable information available to you now. It's also available for men and children. Educate yourself and your family. Know your numbers - blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Learn the warning signs for a heart attack: uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes; pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, and arms; chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. Seek medical help immediately.

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Research shows that by making wise food choices, you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Follow these simple steps:

- Each day, enjoy at least five servings of fruits and vegetables.

- Focus on leaner meats, like fish and skinless poultry. Reduce fat on meat by removing skin and trimming away visible fat.

- Forgo frying and opt for broiling, foiling, roasting, baking, grilling, steaming, poaching, and microwaving.

- Chill all soups and stew after cooking, then remove hardened fat from the top.

- Minimize milk fat by using fat-free (skim) or 1 percent low-fat dairy products.

- Keep sodium intake to less than 2,400 milligrams a day, that's about 1 teaspoon of salt.

For more information on heart health, contact the Clark County Extension Office at 744-4682.

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