February is American Heart Month. Here are some foods to love for a healthy heart:
1. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, that helps promote healthy blood pressure. Their high water and fiber content helps you feel full on less calories.
2. Whole grains like oatmeal contain fiber that helps decrease cholesterol levels.
3. Fish, such as salmon, contain omega-3 fats that help lower cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week.
4. Beans, such as kidney and soy, are high in protein and fiber, making a great substitute for meats at meals.
5. Nuts and seeds contain heart healthy fats and help you feel satisfied between meals, helping to control appetite and weight. But eat in small portions of 1-2 tablespoons if trying to control weight. Sprinkle on salads, cereal and yogurt.
Today, WMHS is offering a free program on how lifestyles affect both cancer and heart disease prevention called Prevention is Power: Take Control of Cancer and Heart Disease. Dr. Blanche Mavromatis, Medical Oncologist will speak on cancer prevention and Dr. Michael Curran, Cardiologist, will speak on heart disease prevention. Presentation will be from 5:30-6:30 pm and from 6:30-7:30 pm there will be exhibits including:
• BMI/body fat analyzer
• Sit risk assessments
• Blood pressure checks
• Food demos of affordable and healthy foods with samples and recipes
• Stretching and movement
• Smokerlyzer
(a breath test that detects carbon monoxide levels for smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke)
• The latest on e-cigarettes, and much more.
Visit wmhs.com for full details. Registration is not required; however, those that pre-register will be entered in a drawing for a door prize. To pre-register or for more information, please call Carey Moffatt at 240-964-8418.
And every month, WMHS offer free Heart Healthy Nutrition classes. The next one will be on Tuesday, March 17 at 1:00 pm. For more information, contact Joni Brode, RDN, LDN at 240-964-8677 or to register, contact WMHS Food and Nutrition at 240-964-2303.
