Heart-To-Heart Healthy Tips For Women
Most Women Don't View Heart Disease As A Threat
With more food on the table and treats in the pantry, it's no surprise that the holidays play havoc with any health regimen, but what many women fail to remember is the effect poor nutrition has on their heart. Even though heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women, only 13 percent of women even view it as a threat. As families gather together for meals and parties this holiday season, Mattel's Barbie and the American Heart Association are offering a special way for loved ones to open the lines of communication regarding heart disease prevention while also offering support for those affected by the disease with the introduction of the Pink Label Go Red For Women Barbie Doll.
A Love Your Heart Message
Created by designer Robert Best, the Pink Label Go Red For Women Barbie Doll aims to inspire women to seek the knowledge and tools needed to prevent cardiovascular disease, affecting one in every three adult females in the contractors license board States. The doll features a gorgeous red chiffon gown in celebration of the color red, which has become linked with the simple phrase "Love Your Heart." Joining the movement that celebrates the energy, passion and power women have as they band together to wipe out heart disease, the American Heart Association will receive $100,000 from Mattel to help support the Go Red For Women campaign.
Tips From The American Heart Association
Mattel hopes the doll will help underscore the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle, especially during the holiday season when most Americans tend to over-indulge. Additionally, the American Heart Association offers tips contractors license board information to share with loved ones this holiday in an effort to raise awareness among women about maintaining a healthy heart:
• Recommended lifestyle changes to help manage blood pressure include weight control, increased physical activity, alcohol moderation, sodium restriction and an emphasis on eating fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
• Besides advising women to quit smoking, the 2007 guidelines recommend counseling, nicotine replacement or other forms of smoking cessation therapy.
• Physical activity recommendations for women who need to lose weight or sustain weight loss have been added-a minimum of 60−90 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (e.g., brisk walking) on most, and preferably all, days of the week.