Protect your heart
Most of the major cardiovascular disease risks factors, such as physical inactivity or high blood pressure can be controlled. You, your mother and grandmother, your daughter, your sister and your friends can protect your heart:
Get active
Even 30 minutes of activity a day can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Try to make exercise a regular part of your life: use the stairs instead of the lift, get off the bus a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way.
Stop smoking and protect yourself from tobacco
Your risk of coronary heart disease will be halved within a year and will return to a normal level over time. Avoid smoke-filled environments: exposure to second-hand smoke significantly increases risk of heart attack.
Maintain a healthy weight
Keeping a healthy weight and limiting your salt intake will help to control your blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Know your numbers
Have your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels checked regularly. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major factor for approximately half of all heart disease and stroke. High blood cholesterol and glucose levels can also place you at greater risk.
Eat healthily
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, a variety of whole grain products, lean meat, fish, peas, beans, lentils, and foods low in saturated fats. Be wary of processed foods, which often contain high levels of salt. Drink lots of water!
Know the warning signs
Heart attacks often manifest themselves differently in women than in men. Learn the warning signs: the sooner assistance is sought, the greater the chances of a full recovery.
Carefully take your medication
Take the medication that your doctor has prescribed
Keep track of your achievements and progress: feel proud about what you do for your own, and your family’s health
Protect your entourage:
share activities with your family (walk, garden, play ball games), cook healthy meals at home, organize a lunchtime run, swim or yoga class with your colleagues
World No Tobacco Day and women
The 2010 theme of World No Tobacco Day was "Gender and tobacco with an emphasis on marketing to women".
Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke
