Become healthier this Black History Month and American Heart Month
Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Here are some tips to help you get a healthy start this month.
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says heart disease, cancer, and stroke are the leading causes of death for African Americans. Learn more about these conditions HERE.
Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Here are some tips to help you get a healthy start this month:
1. Healthy diet
Eat a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Choose foods low in saturated fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.
2. Exercise regularly
Adults need 2 hours and 30 minutes (or 150 minutes total) of exercise each week. You can spread your activity out during the week, and can break it up into smaller chunks of time during the day.
3. Be smoke free
If you are ready to quit, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569 for Spanish speakers) for free resources, including free quit coaching, a free quit plan, free educational materials, and referrals to other resources where you live.
GUIDE: Tips to help you stop smoking
4. Limit alcohol
Limit alcohol use, which can lead to long-term health problems, including heart disease and cancer. If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation, which is no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
MORE: 4 things to know about heart disease in African American women
5. Know your family history
There may be factors that could increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
6. ABCS of heart health
Manage any medical condition you might have. Learn the ABCS of heart health. Keep them in mind every day and especially when you talk to your health provider:
A - Appropriate aspirin therapy for those who need it
B - Blood pressure control
C - Cholesterol management
S - Smoking cessation
MORE: 6 warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack; 5 signs and symptoms of a stroke
