{American Heart Month}

It's that time of year again- American Heart Month! Because heart disease remains the nation's number one killer, February has continued to remain American Heart Month since its beginning in 1963.

According to the CDC, the following are risk factors for heart disease:

Arrhythmia (defined as "disorders of the regular rhythmic beating of the heart" by the AHA)
Heart failure
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Obesity
Diabetes
Tobacco use
Secondhand smoke

While most students on SUU's campus may not be at high risk for a heart attack or stroke in the very near future, we are at an important time in our lives when we can make lifestyle changes that can lessen the likelihood that we suffer from them in the future. Our diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption play an important role in our heart health. Below are some of the current recommendations that can start you on your way to protecting your heart.

Avoid trans fat
Limit saturated fat (<7% of your total daily calories)
*Just to give you an idea of what that looks like- 1 tablespoon of butter has enough saturated fat to get you half way there - saturated fat being about 3% of your total daily calories
*Avoid fats that are solid at room temperature
Consume less than 300mg of cholesterol daily
Eat that fiber! Try for 25-30g fiber each day
Aim for less than 1500mg of sodium per day
*One teaspoon of table salt has about 2300mg sodium
Spend at least 30 minutes engaged in physical activity most days of the week
Quit smoking
Limit alcohol consumption

Now you know, so do something about it! Look out for your heart!

Check out these additional resources on heart health!
CDC
American Heart Association