In South Louisiana we’re always looking for an excuse to get together with family and friends. Of course any gathering wouldn’t be the same without some good ‘ole cajun food. While it may not be a surprise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Louisiana. To ensure that we’re all around to celebrate with our loved ones a little longer, join the American Heart Association this month in educating ourselves during American Heart Month.

CHOOSE HEALTHY BEHAVIORS
• Choose to walk, not sit.
• Choose to eat baked, not fried.
• Choose to breathe, not smoke.

TIPS AT WORK:
• Add extra walks to and from the water cooler.
• Take 10 minute walks between meetings.
• Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Bring healthy snacks.
• Take time for lunch and eat at regular intervals.

TIPS FOR MOMS ON THE GO:
• Plan meals in advance. Visit americanheart.org for recipes from a number of heart-healthy cookbooks and use the online grocery list builder to quickly identify heart-healthy products to add to your grocery list.
• Set up physical activity time on a daily basis.
• Walk around your neighborhood or in your office.
• Run up and down the stairs.
• When doing errands park farther from your destination.
• Take your kids to the park and identify playtime activities that help keep you fit.
• Ask friends to join you in daily walking.
• Work out when your child is at their extracurricular activities.
• Exercise while watching your favorite TV show.

MAKE EASY LIFESTYLE CHANGES
• Look for short breaks each day (10-30 minutes) to implement heart-healthy activities such as walking or other types of enjoyable physical activity.
• Plan quick and simple healthy meals.
• Know your family heart health history. Ask your doctor to check your
cholesterol levels, blood pressure, glucose and body mass index.

TIPS FOR TRAVELING:
• Airports and malls are great places to get in a brisk walk.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Take time to stretch while on a flight.
• Take advantage of physical fitness facilities located in hotels.
• Pack heart-healthy snacks and fruits.
• Remember to pack sneakers and comfortable clothes for working out.

RELAXATION TIPS:
• Keep a journal.
• Read a book.
• Reduce stress by planning a technology-free weekend balanced with fun physical activities.
• Celebrate your successes with healthy rewards like a massage or facial. PoV

Special thanks to the American Heart Association of Houma and their Senior Marketing and Communications Director Wendee Bloom for providing this valuable information.