Cholesterol

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perhaps things could have turned out differently," said Dr.

Pandey.The loss prompted the couple to establish Healthy Heart Day, an annual event featuring speakers, blood-pressure and Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge.There are some risk factors that are out of our hands - age, ethnic background and family history, for example.

So what can we do?

Get active.

It doesn't mean you have to join a gym.

Just get out and walk, run or ride a bike."It doesn't require a lot of expense," Dr.

Pandey said.

"Sidewalks are free."Watch your diet.

But that doesn't mean you have to cut out the occasional treat, either."It's about finding the right balance," Dr.

Pandey said.

Control your fat intake while including enough fruits and vegetables.If you're a smoker, try to quit."Just because you've smoked for 30 years doesn't mean you won't see benefits," Dr.

Pandey said.Within six weeks of quitting, the lungs begin to recover.

Within a year, the risk of a heart attack brought on by the effects of smoking has been cut in half.

Within five years, the risk of having a stroke is reduced to the same level as that of a non-smoker.It's important these messages reach a younger demographic, said volunteer Sev Kemal."There's a sense it's not going to affect ...

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