This month, take some time to focus on your heart — and not just the box of chocolates that’s shaped like one! The key to avoiding heart disease is to assess your risk early, so make a plan today to protect yourself from the top killer of women in America. There’s plenty you can do: The No. 1 cause of heart disease in women relates to lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise — in many cases, you can keep it at bay.

The American Heart Association started the Go Red for Women program in 2004. It’s designed to help women build healthier hearts and lifestyles, and in the last few years, it’s added information on ways women can reduce their risk. To find inspiring stories, heart-healthy recipes, and a nutrient-filled grocery-store list, just log on to goredforwomen.org.

A few of the most recent findings on women and heart disease include:

1. HIP CHECK In a recent study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers found that women with a high waist-to-hip ratio were 91 percent more likely to develop heart disease than those with the smallest waists in relation to their hips.
2. SOY SOLUTION In a Japanese study, postmenopausal women who ate soy at least five times a week reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease by an incredible 75 percent. Try replacing a meat dish or two with soy proteins such as tofu or soybeans to help reduce your risk.
3. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY If you’re overweight, even small changes can boost your heart health. In a study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers found that even moderate exercise (three 10-minute walks per day, five days a week) might not peel off the pounds, but it can cut your chances of dying from cardiovascular disease significantly.
4. WEATHER THE WINTER Cold weather, holiday stress and overeating can all take a toll on our immune systems, which is why heart attack and stroke are more common in the winter months. A recent British study revealed that respiratory infections were a strong predictor of heart attack and stroke for about a month after the illness.

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