Make California the Heart-Healthiest State in the U.S.

Guess what silent disease is the leading killer of both men and women in California? If you said heart disease, you’re right. Heart disease is responsible for about 1 in 4 deaths of adults 35 and older in California every year.

What's more shocking: One-third of these deaths are preventable. It’s a frightening statistic, but you can protect your own heart by learning more about your baseline heart health. Many preventable risk factors are linked to choices we make every day: not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and establishing a diet low in sodium and rich in fresh fruit and vegetables.

It may seem difficult at first, but even small steps can help lower your risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association reports that every day, 330 women save their own lives by knowing their risk factors and making healthier lifestyle choices.

Make an appointment this February to check your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose level.

In the U.S., someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds; and every 60 seconds, someone dies from an event related to heart disease. And did you know that 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease?

Knowledge is power. Empower yourself to manage your own heart health and commit to a healthier future. It may be the first step you take toward saving your life!