Life's Simple 7

Extensive research has shown that too much sodium can cause high blood pressure, a primary cause of heart disease and stroke, the two leading causes of death in the world. Interestingly, the salt shaker is not the culprit. Learn about the science of dietary sodium.

Heart disease and brain health go hand in hand. In fact, many forms of heart disease are associated with cognitive impairment, cognitive decline or dementia. The good news? The seven simple factors for heart health support your brain health, too.

Within 24 hours of quitting smoking, some people are irritable, frustrated, anxious and experience a number of other unpleasant effects. That’s the bad news. The good news is, there are ways to blunt those effects.

Medical adherence — following doctor’s orders — is a huge issue in medicine. Adherence comprises both lifestyle and medication prescriptions. Neither can work as expected if not used as directed.

We know a lot of love passes between pets and their people, but does having a pet help our heart health?

Choosing to be heart-healthy together may help both of you meet your goals.

One or more artificially sweetened drinks a day was associated with higher risk of stroke and dementia, a study suggests.

According to a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention/Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health 2017 Scientific Sessions, the temptation to overeat for people trying to lose weight or maintain a lower body weight is stronger when eating in a social setting.

There are plenty of ways to eat, and they are not equal in their effect on your weight and heart health. Recently the American Heart Association investigated this topic and published a scientific statement about meal planning and the timing and frequency of eating.

Tobacco use is a strong risk factor for developing PAD and for worsening of the disease. Some studies suggest that quitting smoking is associated with lower rates of some symptoms, serious complications and death in patients with PAD.

Blood pressure is an important part of everyone’s health, because high blood pressure contributes to many forms of cardiovascular diseases. It benefits everyone to understand and monitor their blood pressure.

What's growing in your child's imagination? Help plant the seed about how fun and tasty vegetables and fruits can be!

Many of these diets restrict certain food groups or promise unrealistic results. They’re hard — or unhealthy — to sustain over time. They don’t help you develop a healthy relationship with food.

When you’re a child, life should be sweet. Unfortunately, life may be too sweet for today’s children.

“If you’re trying to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, fruits and vegetables can help fill you up. It’s almost impossible to overeat fruits and vegetables,” said Rachel Johnson, Ph.D., R.D.

Dinner is not the only meal you may eat away from home. These tips can help you choose healthier breakfasts and prepared take-out foods.

Although dietary guidelines around the world have included whole grains as an essential component of healthy eating patterns, people aren’t eating enough, according to the analysis. In the United States, average consumption remains below one serving a day, despite the long-time recommendation of three servings a day.

Pregnant women who experience persistent blood pressure elevations in the upper ranges of normal may be at high risk of developing metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular risk after giving birth, according to research published in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension.