Heart Month: Patient Education and Nutritious Recipes

February 3, 2015

heart

February is American Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is the result of heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.

In an effort to promote awareness, I have compiled useful information to help my patients learn how to protect themselves from heart disease and stroke by understanding the risks and taking the following steps:


Try to be physically active for as few as 30 minutes a day to:

– Improve your cholesterol profile
– Lower your blood pressure
– Increase your energy and stamina
– Boost your bone strength
– Prevent weight gain
– Enhance your mental well-being


Heart-Healthy foods to include on every shopping list:  Incorporate these foods – high in vitamin, minerals and nutrients – into your diet to help decrease the risk of heart disease and other conditions.

– Salmon, fish & fish oil                        – Sweet potatoes
– Almonds & walnuts                            – Apples
– Berries (especially blueberries)           – Avocado
– Garlic                                               – Spinach
– Broccoli                                            – Tomatoes
– Olive oil                                            – Beans
– Eggs                                                 – Dark Chocolate (in moderation)


To incorporate these heart-healthy foods into your diet, consider the following recipes:
(Click the name of the recipe to receive the necessary ingredients and cooking instructions).

soup
Soup: Mexican Chicken Soup
 

salad
Salad: Mango, Avocado and Black Bean Salad
 

couscous
Side Dish: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Chickpeas


salmon
Main Dish: Crunchy-Crusted Salmon Fillets

 yogurt
Dessert: Banana Split Berry Yogurt Parfait


For more information about heart disease and stroke prevention please visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease
http://www.heart.org

We are making enormous progress in the battle against cardiovascular disease and stroke – the CDC reports a 30% decrease in death rates in the last decade.  At its heart: an increased awareness about healthy living. February is a perfect time to recharge your personal prevention plan…consider me your partner wholly dedicated to keeping your heart at its vital, healthy best.