Did you know that each year more than a million Americans die from heart disease? Even worse, African Americans die from heart disease and stroke at a 50% higher rate than other Americans. Did you also know that heart disease and stroke kill more African Americans than cancer, accidents, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, liver failure, suicide, and homicide combined?

Even if you don’t die from heart disease or a stroke, it can spoil the quality of your life. As many as half of all African Americans living today will eventually suffer a debilitating illness or death from a disease of the heart or blood vessels.

It doesn’t have to be that way. There is a lot you can do to help prevent heart disease by getting regular health check-ups, eating right, and staying active. This booklet is designed to help educate you on making the lifestyle changes that lead the way to a longer, healthier, more fulfilling life.

You may seek medical care immediately when you have a health problem. And maybe, you always follow your doctor’s advice and prescription. But do you also know the importance of good preventive care? Are you aware of your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol values? When was the last time you had a check-up or examined your diet and exercise routine?

Growing older does not have to bring health worries, dependency, or limitations on you activities. By taking steps to prevent cardiovascular disease, you can live longer and have an active, fulfilling life at any age.

Use this step-by-step guide in this web booklet to set goals that will help you thrive. Discuss your goals with your healthcare provider, and use the charts in the PDF to record your progress.

Your efforts and your successes will inspire others in our family and community toward healthier living. So, why not start setting the right example, now. Together, with your help, the help of your healthcare provider and this web booklet, our families can enjoy a brighter, healthier future.

Now is the time to take the right steps, so let’s get started!

Disclaimer:
This guidebook is intended for informational purposes only, with the understanding that no one should rely upon this information as the basis for medical decisions. Anyone requiring medical or other healthcare should consult a medical or healthcare professional. Any actions based on the information provided herein are entirely the responsibility of the user and/or of any medical or other healthcare professionals who advised such actions. Anyone who uses the suggested dietary and physical activity/exercise areas in this guidebook should consult a medical or healthcare provider before starting a diet or physical activity/exercise program.

The ABC has used reasonable efforts to include timely and accurate information in this guidebook. Accordingly, the sponsor, partners, producers, and others make no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided herein and specifically disclaim liability, expressed or implied, in connection therewith.

Download the PDF with Progress Charts