Staying Healthy This Heart Month

Ivanhoe Newswire
Wednesday, January 31, 2007; 12:00 AM

By Rebekah Addy, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Candy hearts, chocolate hearts and paper hearts are all around in February. But could you be neglecting the most important heart?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, but there are some simple things you can do to make your heart healthy this month, as February marks American Heart Month.

Gregg C. Fonarow, M.D., a University of California, Los Angeles cardiologist, told Ivanhoe one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to their heart health is not following doctor's orders.

"We see a large number of individuals who have been recognized to have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and who are on medication prescribed by their physician, but they stop taking those medications or intermittently adhere with those medications, and those can have adverse health consequences," said Dr. Fonarow.

Tips for adults:

• Don't smoke
• Exercise for 30 to 60 minutes daily
• Keep a healthy weight
• Check and maintain your cholesterol levels
• Maintain your blood pressure by getting it checked regularly
• Take your medications as recommended by your physician
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, two times a week
• See your doctor regularly

Dr. Fonarow says it's important for children to be conscious of their heart health to help prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Tips for children:

• Put that remote down and watch no more then one hour of television a day
• Play outside for at least 30 minutes a day
• Eat those veggies! Five servings of fruit and vegetables are recommended every day
• Avoid fast and fried foods
• Do not smoke
• See your pediatrician regularly
• Tell an adult if you feel your heart racing

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Ivanhoe interview with Gregg C. Fonarow, M.D.