2. Why should I care? Heart Disease is the #1 cause of death in the United StatesHeart Disease is the #1 cause of death in the United States Heart disease and heart attacks can be prevented by not smoking, avoiding alcohol, exercising, and consuming a balanced dietHeart disease and heart attacks can be prevented by not smoking, avoiding alcohol, exercising, and consuming a balanced diet Some risk factors that can’t be changed: Age, gender & genetics.Some risk factors that can’t be changed: Age, gender & genetics.

3. Smoking & Heart Health A smoker’s risk of developing heart disease is 2-4 times greater than a non-smokerA smoker’s risk of developing heart disease is 2-4 times greater than a non-smoker Exposure to secondhand smoke can even increase the risk of heart disease for a nonsmoker!Exposure to secondhand smoke can even increase the risk of heart disease for a nonsmoker!

4. Diet & Heart Health Consuming foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can attribute to plaque build-up in your arteries, which can lead to heart disease.Consuming foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can attribute to plaque build-up in your arteries, which can lead to heart disease. Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk & meats, as well as whole grains will help you maintain a healthy heart.Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk & meats, as well as whole grains will help you maintain a healthy heart. People who have excess body fat have a higher risk of developing heart disease because it increases plaque build- up and the amount of work your heart has to perform. Maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk!People who have excess body fat have a higher risk of developing heart disease because it increases plaque build- up and the amount of work your heart has to perform. Maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk!

5. Alcohol & Heart Health Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure which can then put you at risk of developing heart disease.Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure which can then put you at risk of developing heart disease. If you choose to drink alcohol you should always do so in moderation.If you choose to drink alcohol you should always do so in moderation. Moderation = 1 drink for women & 2 drinks for menModeration = 1 drink for women & 2 drinks for men 1 drink = 1 ½ fl.oz of 80 proof spirits 1 drink = 1 fl.oz of 100 proof spirits 1 drink = 5 fl.oz of wine 1 drink = 12 fl.oz of beer

6. Exercise & Heart Health An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for heart disease!An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for heart disease! Regular physical activityRegular physical activity –helps prevent plaque build-up –improves cholesterol levels –lower blood pressure –helps control obesity –helps reduce stress, tension, anxiety and depression, which are also risk factors for heart disease

7. For more information.. …On nutrition, alcohol consumption, stress management, and physical activity Contact Campus Wellness 328-5171