OSF: Keep your heart healthy during National Heart Month

Posted on February 6, 2020
National Wear Red Day is Feb. 7 to bring greater attention to heart disease awareness as the leading cause of death for Americans. (Twitter/Heart & Stroke)

 

By Neil Doyle

PONTIAC – February is National Heart Month and OSF St. James in Pontiac has some tips how to keep your heart healthier.

Wellness Coordinator Matt Janus said the best way to start is by looking at the risk factors you can control.

“Some risk factors we don’t have any control over are how old you are or if you have a family history of heart disease,” he said. “But if you work on things you can control like getting exercise, following a heart-healthy diet, and meeting with your primary care provider that will go a long way towards preventing heart disease.”

A heart-healthy diet means avoiding foods that are high in sodium, saturated, and trans fats. It includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and leaner meats, according to Janus.

Feb. 7 is also “National Wear Red Day” to bring greater attention to heart disease awareness as the leading cause of death for Americans.

More tips for keeping your heart healthy are available here.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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