Heart disease can be prevented. Our everyday choices determine our risk for developing or preventing heart disease. When unhealthy lifestyle habits are practiced, our risk increases greatly. Healthy lifestyle habits are crucial factors to preventing heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends the following:

• quit smoking

• keep your blood pressure within healthy limits

• lower your blood cholesterol level to below 160 milligrams

• consume less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day

• consume 55 to 60 percent of the day's total calories as complex carbohydrates

• consume 30 percent or less of the day's total calories from fat

• exercise 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times weekly

• maintain balanced levels of caloric intake and physical activity to prevent obesity

• lose excess weight and

Reducing excessive and prolonged stress in your life is also important. Develop healthy habits that incorporate these lifestyle goals. If you do, you will greatly decrease your chances for developing heart disease.

For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association or call (800) 242-8721.

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For related information; see Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program, 319-384-5089