Ask any woman what disease scares her the most, and she would probably say breast cancer. It’s sneaky, and we really don't know how to prevent it.

BUT ----

The number ONE killer of women in the United States is cardiovascular disease (CVD).

It kills more than half a million females each year, and that’s more than the total deaths from the next seven causes AND is more than the number of CVD deaths in men!

AND ----

We do know how to help prevent it.

1. Stop smoking. Just do it. It’s not stylish anymore. It puts lines on your face. When you light up, you immediately show others you have no control over yourself, much less others. POOFFF = there goes your chance for a management position!!

2. Exercise your little heart out! JUST DO IT!!! (I love Nike for that phrase!) No excuses, no “I'm too tired – Don't have enough time” - etc etc. Exercise gives you energy, increases your sex drive, reduces depression, gives you a healthy glow that’s better than any make-up - what more could you ask for??

3. Eat healthy! If it comes prepackaged, don't eat it! Snack and fast foods are full of all kinds of CRAP that make them taste great and sweet or salty, so you crave more. These are empty calories that don't do your body any good. You have one body in this life and you have the ability to shape it any way you want, but eating healthy is way cheaper than plastic surgery!

4. Know what your cholesterol levels and blood pressure numbers are. If they aren't normal, take steps to improve them. (African-Americans in the United States are at increased risk statistically for high blood pressure.)

5. If you have diabetics in the close family, and especially if you have Native American blood, be screened for diabetes.

6. If you have children, start healthy habits for them early in their lives. A healthy life for them - it may be the best legacy you could leave them!

Lynne Fiore, NP