Walk This Way: 4 Steps to a HealthyFab Heart!

Photo Credit: Feelin' Feminine

"There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity."--Washington Irving

When we think of heart disease, we usually tend to think its a problem for our Dad or an Uncle to worry about. But the truth is--women also need to pay attention to their heart health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women of most racial/ethnic groups in the United States, including African Americans, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Hispanics, and whites.

20something women are not in the "safe zone" when it comes to heart disease. We are just as capable of having an unhealthy heart as our parents or older siblings. If you start making changes to encourage a heart healthy life now, your future-self will greatly appreciate it. Here are 4 easy steps for a heart health makeover:

• Investigate your family history.  Ask a parent, siblings, or another relative if heart disease runs in your family. The more you and your physician can know about your heart disease risk, the better you can prepare and prevent heart issues down the road.
• Assess your health.  Take the American Heart Association 'My Life Check' health assessment to see where you stand today and what you need to improve to live a long heart healthy life.
• Make a date with the doctor. Let your primary care physician know that you're ready to start having your heart screened during your regular visits. The tests you'll take will include a BMI, cholestrol test, heart exam, weight circumference, etc.
• Schedule your workouts. Yup, you've got to make sure you get at least 30 minutes a day to keep a healthy heart. I highly recommend anything with a cardio component to get your heart rate pumping.

Ready to do more? Check out the Go Red for Women: Heart Healthy in Your 20s for more tips and recommendations!

Bottom line:  You don't want to worry about heart issues when you're older, so I can promise you that you don't want to worry about heart disease or issues while you're young. Incorporating healthy habits leads to a win-win situation!