HHS HealthBeat (June 26, 2007)

A woman’s heart

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Women need to show their hearts some love. Heart disease is the leading killer of women. But researchers keep finding evidence of how living right can help women live longer  and better. 

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has put the research together in an easy read. It’s the latest edition of ``The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women.’’ You’ll find things like questions to ask your doctor, a quiz to help you figure your own risk, stories of real women’s experiences with heart disease, and tips on how to live better.

But at the NHLBI, Dr. Patrice Desvigne-Nickens says the secret is in the doing, because we take ideas for granted:

``To have a healthy lifestyle, it’s really simple. Good nutrition, be physically active, maintain a healthy weight, and don’t smoke.’’ (9 seconds)

Learn more – including where to find the handbook – at hhs.gov.

Last revised: June, 26 2007