Go Red for Women!

I got to attend the American Heart Association "Go Red for Women" annual lunch event this week.  First of all, it is quite a visual sight to witness a large room of people all wearing red (at least all the ladies were).  The purpose of the lunch is to bring women together to educate them about how they can prevent heart attacks and heart disease and understand that it is now the number one killer of women (as well as men). 

Before the luncheon, they had a silent auction,  I had donated a large bed size quilt to help raise funds for the AHA.  Yes, the other purpose of the event was to raise money to continue to fund research and education. 

Of course the Luncheon was delicious (very yummy!). The keynote speaker  was Jennifer Bushman (the Kitchen Coach) who reminded us how important it is to have family meals (with real food).  Besides eating a nutritious and delicious meal with the family -  She said that action also relaxes you which is also good for health.

In our goodie bag they also included some Go Red pins and a small stack brochures with Heart Health tips and asked attendees to share these will people you care about. So, I thought I would share with you:

5 Simple ways to love your heart:

It's not hard to reduce your risk for Heart disease.  Start today with small, simple actions like these:

1.  CELBRATE WITH A CHECKUP: Let each birthday remind you that it's time for your early checkup and talk with your doctor about how you can reduce your risk for heart disease. 

2.  GET UP OFF THE COUCH: Step, march or jog in place for at least 30 minutes most days of the week - you can even do it while watching TV

3. QUIT SMOKING IN FOUR STEPS: Can't go cold turkey?  Cut the number of cigarettes you smoke each day in half; then cut that number in half; cut it in half again; finally, cut down to zero!

4. DROP A POUND OR TWO: Cutting out just 200--300 calories a day - about one candy bar's  worth - can help  you lose up to two pounds per week and gradually bring you closer to a heart=healthy weight. 

5. BECOME A SALT DETECTIVE:  Check out the Nutritional Facts panel on packaged foods to see how much sodium (salt) they contain.  Aim for a total intake of no more than 2,300 milligrams (ABOUT 1 TSP. SALT) PER DAY.

Love your heart!  Debbie

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