Protect your Heart!*

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women over the age of 50 and is largely preventable. Modifiable risk factors include smoking, obesity, abnormal cholesterol profile, elevated glucose, hypertension, and lack of exercise.

What can you do? Reverse the above risk factors, and see your provider on a regular basis for appropriate testing. Eat a healthy diet, get exercise daily and consider medications that may be appropriate.

If you have non-modifiable risk factors such as belonging to a race or ethnic group that is at higher risk for heart disease (African American, Mexican American, Native American and native Hawaiians), and if you have a family (mother, fathers, sister, brother) history, then it is essential for you to follow the above recommendations to maximize your health and minimize your risk.

(c)2005 Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen™

(*excerpt from "Protecting Your Health" by Barbara C. Phillips, NP)