267,000 women die each year from heart attacks — six times as many as breast cancer. The good news is, you can tilt the odds in your favor. Click here to see the #1 and #2 things you can do. Click here to see #3 and #4. On to #5, #6 and #7:
5. Obesity Are you overweight? Well, if you are, you’re increasing your risk for heart disease. In fact, if you have fat around your belly, that’s a major concern. That belly fat (or abdominal obesity) isn’t healthy. Measure your waist, if it’s over 35 inches, that’s a problem.
6. Sedentary Lifestyle Ok ladies, there’s no excuse for being lazy. I know, we’re all busy and it’s so easy to make excuses, but stop being inactive and just move. Walking counts!
7. Poor Eating Habits Following the Mediterranean diet is a good step towards good health. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, and whole grains are good choices.
Track your fruits and vegetables.
The common Mediterranean dietary pattern consists of five characteristics:
- A high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds
- Olive oil as a key source of monounsaturated fat (monounsaturated fat doesn’t raise blood cholesterol levels the way saturated fat does)
- Dairy products, fish and poultry in low to moderate amounts; little red meat is eaten
- Eggs consumed zero to four times a week
- Wine in low to moderate amounts
Love Your Body, Protect Your Heart Tip: Exercise 30 minutes per day, five days per week. Find a walking path near you.
