Tip of the Day
Black History Month
February is Black History Month and American Heart Month. Making this a perfect time to focus on the heart health of African-Americans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African-American women younger than 75 years of age died from heart disease more often than white women of the same age. One possible reason for this is that African-Americans have higher average blood pressure levels and tend to be more sodium sensitive. Typically African-Americans develop hypertension earlier and as a result, they’re at greater risk for kidney disease and for death from strokes and heart disease.
To manage your high blood pressure reduce your weight, adopt the DASH eating plan, reduce sodium intake, engage in regular physical activity and only consume alcohol in moderation.
For more information on how to reduce your risk of heart disease, consult a registered dietitian in your area.
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Reviewed December 2012