Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women. It's that simple. Fortunately, so much is in our control to boost heart health and avoid being one of the harrowing statistics. This special edition is here to help you reconsider just how you treat the powerful organ that beats close to 2.5 billion times in your life! Certainly, weight control and lifestyle choices can keep your heart in shape, but a heart-healthy diet can keep your ticker seriously ticking. Inside the guide, you'll find the truth about sugar and sodium and how much is too much; get clear about the concepts of "good" and "bad" cholesterol; and learn how to run a check on your physical activity and exercise to see just how powerful they can be. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of delicious and easy-to-follow meal plans and recipes from experts and nutritionists that include classic components of the Mediterranean diet and plenty of plants that keep your heart happy and healthy. Revisit this faithful friend of yours and remember, your heart doesn't live on romance alone!
HEALTHY HEARTS, HEALTHY SELVES • The strategies to protect against heart problems are well within our reach. A few key lifestyle changes can make all the difference, from treatment to prevention.
HEART HEALTH BY THE NUMBERS • These stats and figures show that while heart-disease numbers are scary, there’s also much that can be done to fight it.
DECODING YOUR HEART • From cholesterol numbers to little-known heart-health dangers, here’s what you need to know to keep beating strong.
YOUR GUIDE TO A HEALTHY HEART • The heart works to keep the body functioning, but sometimes things can go awry. Here’s what you need to know to keep your heart healthy for years to come.
RECIPE FOR HEART HEALTH: CHOLESTEROL NUMBERS • Choosing certain foods can help cholesterol levels add up in your favor.
5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Heart • Friendships are protective, your health during pregnancy matters, and other surprising truths about staying clear of cardiovascular disease.
SIP AWAY • Research says that one of the world’s favorite drinks has some serious heart-health benefits. We’ll drink to that!
MEALTIME ANSWERS • Here are the research-driven truths about which food groups raise your heart-disease risks and which foods to pile on to keep in fine cardio health.
14 HEART-HEALTHY FOODS • Research shows that eating a variety of certain foods can lower your risk of heart disease. Here’s the science behind the best choices for your heart.
SHAKING OUT THE TRUTH ON SALT • Salty foods are hard to resist, and a steady diet of them can raise your risk of high blood pressure. But do we all need to go low-sodium? Here is the latest thinking and simple how-to advice for enjoying the mineral in moderation.
HOW BAD IS FAT FOR YOUR HEART, REALLY? • Like all supposed villains, fat is complicated. And perhaps not really such a bad guy after all. Here’s what you need to know.
5 REASONS CHEESE IS ACTUALLY GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH • It’s the research we’ve all been waiting for: five amazing health benefits of cheese, according to science.
7 DAYS OF HEART-HEALTHY EATING • Keep your heart healthy and lose weight with this delicious 1,500-calorie meal plan.
GET MOVING • When it comes to keeping your heart healthy, diet is only part of the journey. Here’s how to shake up your workouts and get your blood pumping.
WORK OUT FOR A MAJOR HEART-HEALTH BOOST • Your heart is a muscle, and the best way to keep that muscle strong is by hitting the gym. Moderate exercise gets your heart rate up and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood through the body.
5 PROVEN WAYS TO STAY FIT • These approachable strategies and methods make getting in heart-healthy shape well...