Since 1963, February has been designated “American Heart Month” by Congress and the President. Heart diseases, including stroke, continue to be the number one killer of Americans. The American Heart Association campaigns to raise money for research and education and to increase public awareness about prevention. The “Go Red For Women” program was developed by the American Heart Association to promote women’s heart health because one in three women has some form of potentially fatal cardiovascular disease but they may not know it.
      Heart disease and stroke are not just for men anymore. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America today. Mississippi has led the nation for many years in the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease with a rate 31% higher than the national average. More Mississippians die each year from heart attacks and strokes than from all types of cancer, traffic injuries, suicides and AIDS combined.
        There are many risk factors associated with heart disease. One factor we can’t change is our genetics or family health history. Unfortunately, you don’t get to pick your parents and grandparents. But most of the risk factors we can change. These important steps can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke:

• Stop Smoking
• Lower high blood pressure
• Reduce high cholesterol levels
• Aim for a healthy weight
• Be physically active every day
• Keep diabetes in good control
• Manage stress

    A recent study showed that otherwise healthy women who had elevated blood cholesterol levels as their only risk factor had twice the risk of suffering a stroke over the women with normal cholesterol levels.
    Many experts blame our good southern cooking for our high rates of heart disease. We all grew up eating vegetables seasoned with bacon grease and salt pork. We think fish and chicken aren’t worth eating if they’re not fried to crispy brown perfection. The more real butter you can add to anything, the better it is. No one can dispute the fact that we can put a spread on a buffet table fit for a king. Traditions are important and all social gatherings involve food.
    Saturated fats are the ones that get blamed for causing high blood cholesterol and they will be mostly solid at room temperature. Examples are: bacon grease, shortening, butter, and stick margarines. Better fats are those that are liquid at room temperature like olive oil, peanut oil or canola oil. Don’t get carried away though, fats of all types have a lot of calories. If you are working to reduce your weight, add oils sparingly. Use a non-stick cooking spray and season those vegetables with lean ham, smoked turkey necks, onions and garlic. You can get the flavor without a lot of fat if you are creative. Cheese, sour cream, ice cream, sausage, and hamburger contain more saturated fat. In most recipes you can substitute with lower-fat cheese or sour cream, use turkey sausage or ground turkey and no one will notice.
    Go to www.goredforwomen.com to take the free on-line heart check up.