Life's Simple 7

February is heart health month and the American Heart Association is promoting their Life's Simple 7 campaign. The goal of this project is to help improve health by educating Americans. These simple steps can be done by anyone, are not expensive, and can make a big difference in your health.

Start by taking the My Life Check Assessment to help you personalize the steps you can take to improve your health. After the assessment, you will also receive a customizable action plan focusing on these 7 areas of health.

1. Get active - Simply put, being active for at least 30 minutes daily can reduce your risk of heart disease. Find an activity you enjoy and do it!

2. Control cholesterol - Everyone should know their cholesterol levels, so have a cholesterol panel done if you don't know. Both genetics and your eating habits affect cholesterol levels.

3. Eat better - Focus on nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fat-free and low-fat dairy products. Eat fish at least twice a week. Cut back on foods with trans fat or hydrogenated oils, added sugars, cholesterol, and sodium. Eat less processed food.

4. Manage blood pressure - High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for heart disease. Eating healthy, exercising, cutting back on sodium, managing stress, having a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and quitting tobacco all help keep blood pressure levels normal.

5. Lose weight - People who are overweight and/or obese are at higher risk for heart disease. Too much abdominal fat also puts you at higher risk for other health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol). The most effective way to manage weight is by controlling eating habits and exercising.

6. Reduce blood sugar - Adults with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease. If you have diabetes, eat to control your blood sugar levels. Work with your physician if you need to have your blood glucose level tested.

7. Stop smoking - Smoking increases risk for heart disease and lowers HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Look for assistance or smoking cessation programs available in your area.

To read more about Life's Simple 7, visit the American Heart Association's website.