February is National Heart Month.  Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women.

In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk for CAD through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.  I want you to think about your heart and keeping it healthy! No one cares more about your heart than The American Heart Association.  Their new national goal is to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by the year 2020.  The American Heart Association has defined what it means to have ideal cardiovascular health, identifying seven health and behavior factors that impact health and quality of life.  These are known as “Life’s Simple 7”.  I’ve highlighted them for you below.  For more information on how you can get and stay “Heart Healthy” please visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

Optics have been studied for a millennia and as the ancient Greeks taught us, the process of seeing is not an isolated function of the eyes, but a dynamic action of the mind. Such a sophisticated statement in more primitive times, and yet more emphasis is still being placed on 20/20 sight than on how we process our world.

When setting a new goal, I believe in stating my intentions rather than making a resolution.  By stating my intention, and repeating it over and over, my behavior will actually begin to change in a way that supports my intention.  For instance try this:  My NY’s resolution is to lose 10 pounds by March.  In your mind, what does that conjure up?  Maybe you envision, hours of gym time or maybe plain tasteless food? Do you think about all the treats you can’t have? Now try this:  I intend on eating healthier in 2012.  How do these words make you feel?  Better, I bet!!!  So let’s all say it: “I intend on eating healthier in 2012!” and here are some tips on how to do it!