How to Reduce Your Risk

Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by making healthy lifestyle changes today:

• Control high blood pressure.
• Quit smoking (if you smoke) and avoid other people's tobacco smoke.
• Reduce high levels of total blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Raise a low level of HDL cholesterol.
• Be more physically active. For example, use stairs instead of elevators!
• Control or delay the onset of diabetes.
• Reduce excess weight or maintain a healthy weight.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
• Learn to relax and find healthy ways to deal with situations you find stressful.

Get your friends and family to join you in a healthy way of life:

• Make changes slowly in your family's diet and exercise habits.
• Share heart-healthy cooking tips and recipes with friends.
• Suggest that your church, synagogue, mosque or community group hold a blood pressure or cholesterol screening.
• Find a partner to exercise with you three or four times a week.
• Turn off the TV and do something active as a family.
• Help friends and family who want to quit smoking

Take action in your community and workplace:

• Ask for healthier food choices in grocery stores, restaurants and your company's vending machines or cafeteria.
• Insist on a nonsmoking section in restaurants and other public places.
• Ask that your workplace be smoke-free.
• Start a fitness walking club or exercise class.