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Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. Access Health Louisiana (AHL) is helping to bring awareness about the importance of maintaining proper heart health by participating in Go Red Day on February 1st. AHL staff is wearing red to support for this special cause. The American Heart Association says that one in three women die of heart disease each year and ninety-percent of women have at least one risk factor for getting heart disease.
Knowing your risk factors is key. Does anyone in your family have a history of heart disease, heart attacks or strokes? The physicians and nurse practitioners at AHL can help you in your fight against heart disease. Eat more healthy fats. Eating foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat can improve your blood cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease. Foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids like salmon, trout, herring, flaxseed, kale, spinach and walnuts are great power foods for your heart. Know your cholesterol levels. If your cholesterol level is above 200, you’re more at risk for heart disease. 
Here are eight ways to lower your risk of heart disease: quit smoking, improve your cholesterol levels, control high blood pressure, exercise daily, follow a heart-healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, control diabetes and manage stress and anger in your daily life. If you struggle with hypertension and other chronic illnesses, AHL’s health coaches can help you set attainable goals to achieve lower blood pressure. For more information on our chronic care management program, call 1-866-530-6111.
