Valentine’s Day is over, but that doesn’t mean a man should quit thinking about hearts, specifically his own heart. This is because heart disease is a very real threat to a man’s health. In fact, over 715,000 people in the United States alone suffer a heart attack each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC). Since a man has only one heart (hopefully) his entire life, it’s appropriate that during February, the month designated for love, that he should take some time to learn more about how to keep his heart in tip top shape.
Quick List of Don’ts
As with any health topic, there’s a list of things that a person should not do in order to keep an organ healthy.  For heart disease prevention, the list is easy.  Don’t smoke. (Free telephone counseling is available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, 1-800-784-8669). Don’t drink in excess.  Don’t let stress overtake your life.
Quick List of Do’s
In addition to the above list, think proactively. Â Do reduce sodium intake. Do exercise more. Â Do eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Do control high blood pressure.
Great Resource
Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s web article, 28 Days to a Healthier Heart. Â You’ll find easy to accomplish tasks that will greatly improve heart health.
Here’s one example of what you’ll find in this fabulous resource: Halt the Salt
“Most American adults (and children too) are eating too much sodium. In fact, we are eating about 3,400 mg of sodium a day, when most of us should have only 1,500 mg per day. Eating too much sodium increases your risk for high blood pressure, a major contributor to heart disease and stroke.”
Don’t Ignore This
It may seem to be a burden to have to be concerned with the heart, but it really isn’t that difficult to care for the organ that works for you day and night.  By following the easy tips suggested, you can lessen your risk of heart disease considerably.  For instance, something as simple as knowing your blood pressure numbers can help.  The CDC states, “Lowering your blood pressure or maintaining normal blood pressure can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Nearly 1 in 3 adults (about 67 million) has high blood pressure and more than half of them don’t have it under control.”
So, in honor of American Heart Month, take your heart seriously, and be good to the organ that has been so good to you!
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