“A Good Heart Is Better Than All The Heads In The World”- Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the number one killer of women across the globe, and September 29th has been designated “World Heart Day” to bring awareness to that fact.  It is perhaps no small coincidence that this month is also “Fruit and Veggies-More Matters Month”.  Studies have shown that there is a significant protective effect inherent in the consumption of fruits and vegetables that can reduce CVD risk.  As part of their global campaign against heart disease, The World Heart Federation is urging women to change the way they feed themselves and their families.  By making small changes in dietary habits, women can affect the health and well being of future generations, but must not neglect their own.

In honor of the “GoRed” Campaign here in America, we suggest you introduce more red fruits and vegetables into your meals, and if you are an OT, into your patients’ meals.  This color of food contains essential nutrients such as lycopene, ellagic acid , quercetin and hesperidin that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, while protecting the body from free-radicals and stroke .  The old adage: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” applies here… especially if it is a red apple. Check out the “GoRed” website for heart-healthy recipes that use watermelon, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, tomatoes, and of course, red peppers, onions and cabbage.

Changing dietary habits is a small step, but an important one, in women taking control of their heart health.  If you are an Occupational Therapist who is looking to greatly change people’s lives through basic measures contact Centra at 800 535 0076 and let us put you in “the heart” of it all!