Home > Food & Health > Health > Chronic Diseases > Living a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle February is reserved as American Heart Month in order to raise awareness about the prevention and management of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women and accounts for almost 700,000 deaths each year or 29% of all U.S. deaths. February Heart Month: Keep it healthy [Image: Go Red Logo] February is a month dedicated to the heart – in more ways than one. This is the time to celebrate love and give your sweetheart a valentine. This is also the month to wear red and call attention to prevention of the No. 1 killer of women – heart disease. Be aware of women’s No.1 killer [Image: Go Red] (Distributed 01/31/08) February is American Heart Month. Women will again “Go Red for Women” by wearing something red or special pin to raise awareness of heart disease, women’s no. 1 killer. Get It Growing: Healthy Gardening (For Release On Or After 11/2/07) Gardening is a well-documented and beneficial form of exercise. It contributes to a healthy lifestyle.  more articles... Control High Blood Pressure With Diet May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, to help educate people about the importance of preventing and treating high blood pressure. Osteoporosis: Protect Your Bones [Image: Osteoporosis] How does bone loss occur? Who is most at risk? What can you do to prevent osteoporosis? Find these answers and more in this two-page fact sheet. Black Raspberry May Be a New Cancer Fighter In their quest for finding new therapies for treating cancers, researchers in the LSU AgCenter and the LSU Health Sciences Center have found several natural compounds that can reduce tumor development by inhibiting angiogenesis. One of the latest is an extract from the black raspberry. Whole-grain Foods Lessen Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome Older adults who consume nearly three servings of whole-grain foods daily are significantly less likely to have "metabolic syndrome," a condition that increases the chances of developing diabetes and heart disease. Yet Another Study Points to Obesity A new study shows that Americans consumed more calories over the past 30 years. This points to the increase in overweight and obesity in the United States. Carotenoids Protect Against Heart Disease in Women Eating foods rich in antioxidants is one part of a diet and exercise program that protects against chronic diseases, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. A recently published study bears out this claim. DASH to Lower High Blood Pressure A new eating plan can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering blood pressure. DASH - Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension - is rich in low-fat dairy foods, fruits and vegetables. Strawberries Good Cancer Insurance April is an especially good time of year to enjoy Louisiana strawberries. It’s Cancer Control Month, and strawberries can lower the risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Childhood Inactivity Bad Omen Active children are more likely to become active adults. As many children grow into adolescence, however, their physical activity levels decline, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Good News, Bad News About Holiday Weight Gain Most people face the holiday season with some fear of gaining weight. The good news is that although many people gain, research suggests that the gain will probably be only 1 pound, not 5, notes LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Click for more information...