Have a Heart-Healthy Holiday

Dear Edward, Holiday eating doesn't have to be a high-fat, high-calorie disaster. You can eat smart and still indulge yourself in great food and drink with your friends and loved ones. And we can help. The American Heart Association's website — www.heart.org — is full of information about heart-healthy eating, including a special Holiday Healthy Eating Guide that addresses issues we face at the holiday table. Download the guide today and learn how a few simple tips can make your festivities healthier and still be fun. We've even included some great recipes for you to try. Sincerely, Gordon F. Tomaselli, M.D. American Heart Association President and Volunteer

Updates secondary prevention guidelines

The guidelines recommend that patients with coronary heart disease and other vascular disease such as stroke and peripheral artery disease:

• Stop smoking and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke;
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-7 days a week;
• Reduce weight if you are overweight, obese, or have a large waist;
• Get an annual flu shot;
• Take low-dose aspirin daily unless your doctor prescribes a higher dose or recommends against it because of medical contraindications.

These guidelines may help high-risk people live longer, healthier lives

• Healthy habits and optimal medical treatment can improve survival and quality of life for people who have been diagnosed with heart disease, or experienced a heart attack or stroke
• For the first time, the guidelines emphasize the importance of participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program after a heart attack or bypass surgery, and of diagnosing and treating depression in heart disease patients.