According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the best prevention for heart disease is eating a healthy diet and having a healthy lifestyle that includes proper exercise and regular checkups. Diet and lifestyle work hand in hand. Make sure you are not only eating the right foods and the right portions, but also keep proper count of the calories that you are taking in each day and how many calories you burn when you exercise. In order to maintain proper weight, make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegitables everyday. The AHA recomends 4.5 cups of vegetables per day, 2 to 4 servings of fruit, 3-1 ounce servings of whole-grain products per day and 2 to 3 servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products. In addition, try to drink less than 36 ounces of soda (2.5 cans) a week. Salt should be limited to 1,500 mg a day. Review food lables to check sodium content.
Exercising does not mean you have to spend a lot of money to get a gym membership or run on the treadmill everyday, nor do you have to lift weights and become a bodybuilder. If you are not involved in an after school physical activity like football, tennis or the school swim team, then spend an hour or so after school doing something outside. Ride your bike, skateboard or go to the playground. Maybe you could get some friends together and play tag or football in the park or backyard.
Not smoking is the the most effective way of detering tobacco-related illness and death in the world. The American Lung Association web site says that smoking is the #1 cause of preventable death each year, sadly however, 70% of young smokers begin smoking around age 11. Chonic Lung Disease accounts for over 70% of smoking related conditions. If you are a smoker, there is plenty of help available to assist you in quiting smoking. The American Lung Association has a program desgined to assist parents in helping young people to learn about the effects of smoking. Teens can find help on the internet on a web site called "Not On Tobacco". This web site is designed to provide information on how to quit smoking. Talk to your family doctor about what programs may be available and what he or she may be able to do to help you quit smoking.
Adjusting your diet, proper exercise and not smoking can add years to your life and make for a healthier and happier future.
