Keep your own heart healthy; help others do the same

Posted in Mom Stuff
by besttech

A new survey shows that while nearly two-thirds of adults report one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease, many do not take steps that may help them fight the disease.

The survey of more than 2,000 adults, conducted by Harris Interactive for Cheerios, found 37 percent of adults have not had their cholesterol checked within the past year and more than half of adults (52 percent) do not exercise regularly.

Through Jan. 31, 2010, for every code entered at www.cheerioshelpinghearts.com, Cheerios will donate $1 (up to $200,000) to raise awareness about heart disease and provide free cholesterol screenings for women in need, through its partnership with WomenHeart. Codes can be found inside specially marked boxes of Cheerios cereal.

To keep your own heart healthy, consider these tips:

— Keep your cholesterol in check

— Exercise regularly

— Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes whole grains

— Keep tabs on your triglycerides

— Get your blood pressure checked

— Quit smoking

— See your doctor regularly

–By McClatchy-Tribune