Take care of your heart …
it works hard for you!

In recognition of National Heart Month this February, here is some information on how to take active steps to lower your risk of developing heart disease.

You Are What You Eat

A healthful eating plan means choosing the right foods to eat and preparing foods in a healthy way. Work with your doctor to develop a healthy lifestyle with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins that is low in fat, cholesterol and sugars.

Exercise & Fitness

Heart disease can be a result of obesity and an inactive lifestyle. Excess weight increases the heart’s work, raising blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular exercise, meanwhile, can help increase your HDL level — the amount of “good cholesterol” your body produces. Health experts advise that getting 30 minutes to one hour of moderate to vigorous exercise every day can help your heart.

Another Reason to Quit Smoking

Research reveals that smokers’ risk of developing coronary heart disease is two to four times that of nonsmokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke has also been shown to increase an individual’s risk, even if that person is not a smoker.

See the Dentist

A growing body of evidence points to a link between periodontal disease — chronic infection of the gums — and heart disease. Multiple studies have shown that people who have periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those who don’t. Chronic gum disease can also worsen existing heart conditions. A common theory is that over time, chronic oral infections can poison the bloodstream with dangerous bacteria that travel to the heart and contribute to its weakening or its disease. To help guard against these dangers, keep regular appointments with your dentist and take proper care of your teeth — brushing and flossing as your dentist recommends.

For more information on coronary health, visit the AHA at www.americanheart.org or Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts at www.ahealthyme.com.

For more information on exercise and fitness, visit the American Council on Exercise at www.acefitness.org or BCBSMA’s website at www.ahealthyme.com.