Did you know that up to 80% of heart disease is entirely preventable?  Most of us know the basics of that prevention – healthy diet, more exercise, not smoking – but when you start thinking of how many big changes that might mean, it can look like a pretty daunting lifestyle makeover all at once.

The first change should be a baby step. You’re more likely to succeed by making small changes, according to Dr. Catherine Champagne, professor of research at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System.

“If you totally overhaul your diet or start an ambitious exercise program, you’re less likely to stick with it.”

Start small, go slow, and before you know it, those baby steps will start adding up to better cardiovascular health. Micro-improvements do more than chip away at a larger objective — they accomplish plenty on their own. Some of these are cumulative; do several and you’ll see an even bigger benefit.  Here are 10 baby steps to get you started:   Continue reading “10 baby steps to improve women’s heart health” →