Eat S.M.A.R.T. challenge launches Feb. 13 to boost heart health
In Winnebago County, heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death.
The Winnebago County Health Department is encouraging residents to adopt healthier eating habits to protect heart health and reduce cancer risk, according to a community announcement.
The department is promoting the Eat S.M.A.R.T. initiative, which stands for:
- Smaller portions
- More fruits and vegetables
- Add whole grains and beans
- Reduce sugar and salt
- Try to limit meat and processed foods
The campaign coincides with American Heart Month and National Cancer Prevention Month in February, according to the announcement.
How to participate
Residents are encouraged to commit to the Eat S.M.A.R.T. plan for two months, from Feb. 13 through April 10. Those who sign up by Feb. 13 will receive weekly emails with small steps and resources from the local health department to support their commitment. Sign up at publichealth.wincoil.gov/eatsmart.
The health department is also encouraged the community to wear red on Friday, Feb. 6, for National Wear RED Day to help reduce the impact of heart disease and cancer, according to the announcement.
“The impact of heart disease and cancer can be reduced by ensuring to get regular health screenings, managing risk factors, and taking steps to Eat S.M.A.R.T.,” said Dr. Sandra Martell, the Winnebago County Health Department’s Public Health Administrator, “Together we can take small steps toward reducing preventable diseases and deaths in our community including Eat S.M.A.R.T.”
Other ways to protect your health
In addition to eating healthier, other ways to protect your heart and prevent cancer include getting regular health screenings, quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco, increasing physical activity, controlling heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and managing diabetes, and using sunscreen and getting vaccinated against HPV and Hepatitis B, according to the announcement.
The health department offers programs to support a heart-healthy lifestyle at publichealth.wincoil.gov/heart-healthy-lifestyle/. For more information, visit publichealth.wincoil.gov.
This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, [email protected] , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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