4 Preventive Health Care Tips for Women Concerned About Heart Issues

According to the American Heart Association, the leading cause of death among American women is by heart attacks or strokes. For those concerned about heart health, take these simple steps to adopt a more a preventive health care lifestyle: 

1.  Moderate to intense physical activity - Getting regular exercise along with other healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, can greatly reduce your risks of developing heart disease.  Activities such as housecleaning, gardening or even taking the stairs at work all count towards your total. 

2.  Eating a healthy diet - Eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt can greatly reduce the risks of developing heart disease.  Limiting certain fats such as saturated and trans fat can reduce your blood pressure and decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.  Dairy products and red meat are some of the major sources of saturated fats.  Fried foods, packaged snack foods and margarine are sources of trans fat.  Try to avoid these items.

3.  Regular Check-ups - High blood pressure and cholesterol can damage your heart.  Know your numbers so you can take action before something should happen.  Your blood pressure should be checked every two years, or more frequently depending on your numbers.  Your cholesterol should be screened at the very least, every five years.

4.  Maintain a healthy weight - The older you get, your weight gain is more fat than muscle.  Check to see if you are gaining 'healthy' weight.  You can do this by calculating your mass index (BMI) which considers your height and weight in determining whether you have a healthy or unhealthy percentage of body fat.  A BMI number of 25 or higher is related to high blood pressure and an increase risk of heart disease or stroke. 

People are looking for new ways to improve their health, and they are turning to natural remedies.  There have been many studies done on the benefits and applications of natural herbs and herbal extracts.  Strong evidence suggest that taking herbal supplements in conjunction with living a preventive health care lifestyle can be beneficial.  For more information on how Chi Health can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle visit us at www.chi-health.com or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chienterprise.  Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/chihealth100 for daily health tips.