February is coming: take care of your HEART!

January is almost gone and I just realized that February, the “red month”, is just around the corner. February is the heart month not only for Valentine´s Day on Feb 14th but also for the American Heart Month (and the Wear Red Day this Friday 7th). Here in Argentina we don´t have this tradition which is celebrated in the United States every year to increase awareness on women heart disease, the number one killer (more than all type of cancers combined!). The Go Read For Women campaign will celebrate its 10th anniversary this Friday 7th.  The web page of the American Heart Association is now full of resources not only in English but also in Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. The website has alsoj a very nice interactive library with animated explanation of popular heart topics. The AHA has lots of programs, I love the one that promote Jump Rope for the Heart for kids and adults to increase physical activity.

The AHA recommends these healthy habits to prevent heart disease:

·         Quite smoking

·         Consistent exercise: 30-60 minutes most days of the week

·         Manage stress: check stress management resources

·          Eat healthy: Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish and nuts. Avoid sugary and processed foods and foods high in sodium

Are you ready for this Go Red? You have 9 days to prepare your outfit and remember that offices and buildings can be decorated with red too!

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