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Tip Sheet: Five Tips to Help Women Fight Heart Disease; Bally Total Fitness Personal Trainer Nikki Kimbrough Offers Tips to a Healthier Heart

Posted on: Wednesday, 2 February 2005, 12:00 CST

As women go about their daily lives, many never stop to think about taking precautions to avoid heart disease, the leading cause of death in one out of three women in the United States. The White House has proclaimed February as American Heart Month offering much-needed encouragement for both women and men to learn more about heart disease prevention.

According to the American Heart Association, no disease claims more lives among women than heart disease, not even cancer. Currently, heart disease kills one woman every minute. Heart disease accounted for 38 percent of all deaths in 2002 and was listed as a primary or contributing cause in 60 percent of all deaths. However, only 13 percent of women consider heart disease their greatest health risk.

Bally Total Fitness is proud to join in the fight against heart disease. Below are tips and suggestions from Bally personal trainer Nikki Kimbrough on heart disease prevention:

-- Know the symptoms - Many heart problems have similar symptoms, including chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness or dizziness, profuse sweating, fatigue, nausea, palpitations and irregular or rapid heartbeats.

-- Add more activity to your daily routine - According to the American Heart Association, any increase in physical activity is good for your heart. Parking further away or taking the stairs instead of the elevator are just a few basic changes in lifestyle that can increase physical activity and lead to a healthier heart.

-- Exercise - Plan your day to include at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise three or more times per week. Heart-pumping exercises such as jogging, walking or working out on a treadmill or cardiovascular machine will make you feel better, look better and decrease the risk of heart disease. Women of all ages benefit from a moderate amount of physical activity, preferably daily.

-- Consult your physician - Women with chronic health problems, including heart disease, should first consult a physician before beginning a new program of physical activity. Women over age 50 who plan to begin any new fitness program should first consult a physician to be sure they do not have heart disease or other health problems.

-- Increase fiber intake - Fiber assists in lowering cholesterol levels, which in turn leads to a stronger heart. High levels of fiber are generally found in various fruits, vegetables and beans. Making a few positive changes to one's diet can help decrease the risk of heart disease.

For additional tips or to set up an interview with Nikki Kimbrough of Bally Total Fitness, please contact Jamie Morgan at (201) 964-2380.

Source: Business Wire

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