Keeping Your Heart Healthy Published Feb. 19, 2010 By 14th MED Group COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE,Miss. -- Trudy Glusenkamp, RD and Tech Sgt. Ryian Caviness 14th Medical Operations Squadron February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Every minute this disease claims the life of an American. Keeping your heart healthy should be a priority. A healthy lifestyle will allow you to maintain a healthy heart. Following these tips will keep your heart happy and healthy for years to come! Maintain a Heart-Healthy Diet A heart-healthy diet should be low in saturated fats and high in fiber. Limit meats that are fatty and/or high in cholesterol. White meats are lower in fat and cholesterol, and fish is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Increase your fiber intake by consuming whole grains. A heart-healthy diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Also, the way food is prepared can make a big difference. Instead of frying foods - which adds unnecessary fat and calories - use cooking methods that add little or no fat, like baking, broiling or grilling. Finally, some people "get tired of eating healthy". If your menu gets old, use cookbooks or online recipe websites to find healthy recipes to spice up your meals. Get Moving! Maintaining an active lifestyle reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation throughout the body. According to the latest American Heart Association/American College of Sports Medicine guidelines, all healthy adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week. If you do not already have a routine, the fitness center offers a variety of classes to choose from. You can add more steps into your day by parking a little further from buildings and using stairs instead of elevators. Know Your Body Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly with more subtle signs. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are some signs that might indicate a heart attack could be imminent: discomfort in the chest, arm, neck, back or jaw; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness and breaking out in a cold sweat. If you have one or more of these warning signs, seek medical attention. For questions or more information on healthy lifestyle choices, contact the Health and Wellness Center at 434-2477.