Throughout the month of February, our team at Cucamonga Valley Medical Group has provided advice and tips focusing on “Heart Health.”

We’ve used our website and social media platforms to get out the word! Of course, our physicians and providers offer their insight and expertise to patients at CVMG.

While talk of the heart annually is at the center of attention in February – especially on Valentine’s Day – the topic of heart health should be at the forefront throughout the year.

Heart disease and strokes are the two most common causes of death globally. But many might not realize that almost 80% of all cases of cardiovascular disease are preventable.

Lifestyle changes involving exercise and diet can make a tremendous impact in reducing your risk of heart disease.

As mentioned earlier, we’ve posted numerous tips and advice throughout the month. As February winds down, it’s a perfect time to review a few of those valuable nuggets.

The American Heart Association recommends that you:

• Use up at least as many calories as you take in. Know how many calories you should be eating and drinking to maintain your healthy weight.

• Get physical. Walk. Ride a bike. Swim. Hike. Increase the amount of intensity of your physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of both each week.

• Eat an overall healthy dietary plan that emphasizes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; whole grains; healthy sources of protein; and liquid non-tropical vegetable oils.

• Limit processed foods in your diet. Minimize intake of added sugars. Eat foods prepared with little or no salt.

• Limit your alcohol intake.

• Don’t smoke! Live tobacco free!

For more on a healthy lifestyle, visit our Health and Wellness Resource Center at www.cvmgdocs.com