Physician offers tips to kick-off heart disease and its risk factors

The health statistics are heart-stopping for Hispanic communities: the leading cause of death among both Hispanic men (27 percent) and women (31.5 percent) is cardiovascular disease. As part of a joint effort to raise awareness of the importance of heart health among Hispanics and their families, well-known physician Dr. Aliza Lifshitz and General Mills are putting heart-healthy information, recipes and wellness materials at consumers' fingertips.

Through Qué Rica Vida® - General Mills' lifestyle resource for Latinas - featured heart health materials will be readily available this month in the Qué Rica Vida Spanish magazine and online at www.QueRicaVida.com.

"A healthy heart is a happy heart, and there are easy steps you can take to lower your chances of developing heart disease and its risk factors," explained Dr. Aliza. "The good news here is that individuals can decrease their risk of heart disease by making healthier lifestyle choices. This means exercising and getting your cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked regularly. In fact, even a small weight loss can be beneficial. One recent study indicates that reducing your weight by just 10 percent can decrease your blood pressure and lower your blood cholesterol - two changes that can make for a healthier heart. "

Dr. Aliza offers several of her top tips to kick-off Heart Health Month, and encourages Hispanics to discover more information at www.QueRicaVida.com, or her website www.vidaysalud.com:

Whole Grain Advantage: Research shows that a diet rich in whole grain foods may help reduce the risk for heart disease and some cancers, and they may help with weight management. When purchasing items like bread, cereal, flour, rice and tortillas, check the ingredient label to make sure the product contains whole grain. A new study indicates that 95 percent of Americans are not getting enough whole grain, so Dr. Aliza noted it's important to take steps to work more whole grain foods in to Hispanics' daily diets.

Sounds Like A Plan: A heart-healthy eating plan is vital to lowering cholesterol and helping maintain healthier body weight. Given the importance of planning healthy meals, at the end of February www.QueRicaVida.com will offer a free family meal plan tailored for Hispanics. The meal plan was developed in partnership with the General Mills Bell Institute for Health and Nutrition and focuses on good-for-you foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Dr. Aliza recommends keeping a written journal of what you eat each day so you can chart your progress and take notes.

Easy Steps: It's easy - and fun - to incorporate physical activity into your (and your family's) daily routine. Make time to stay active by doing things you love, like dancing, walking, swimming, gardening or biking. Regular exercise can help improve blood lipid levels, which decrease the risk for heart disease and stroke. Dr. Aliza strongly recommends that before beginning an exercise program, you make sure to consult a doctor.

"General Mills is very committed to issues that affect Latina women and their families, especially those related to health," explained Rodolfo Rodriguez, director of multicultural marketing for General Mills. "The heart health materials we're offering together with Dr. Aliza are meant to spark tangible ways we can promote healthier, more vibrant Hispanic communities - one family at a time."