Have a healthy heart all year

What’s the leading cause of death for U.S. women? If you guessed breast cancer, you gave the same answer many Americans would. But more women die each year from heart disease than from breast cancer, even though taking simple steps can prevent it from ever happening.

Learn more about heart disease and the ways you can prevent it with the free Heart Health package of publications from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the MetLife Consumer Education Center, and the Federal Citizen Information Center.

February is American Heart Month, and it’s the perfect time to learn how to keep your heart in shape. Start by visiting your doctor to find out what your cholesterol and blood pressure levels are. If your numbers are high, or even if they’re only slightly elevated, just a few changes in your lifestyle can make all the difference.

Build exercise into your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away from the store and walking across the parking lot. Think about what you eat, too. You can start eating in a heart-friendly way by ordering smaller portions in restaurants. Or keep fresh fruits and veggies on hand for snack attacks. And develop ways to keep calm when your stress level gets high. Try taking a short walk to unwind, listening to soothing music, or learning how to meditate.

While any of us can get heart disease, everyone can make lifestyle changes to help prevent it. The Heart Health package is full of ways to keep your heart healthy any time of the year. There are three easy ways to order this free package:
• Send your name and address to Heart Health, Pueblo, Colo. 81009.
• Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/n57hearthealth.htm to place your order online or to read or print these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.
• Call toll-free 1-888-878-3256, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Heart Health package.

Get even more information and take advantage of online government services resources at www.USA.gov and www.GobiernoUSA.gov — your official English and Spanish web portals to the federal government.

####

Get Internet safe

If a stranger walked into your home uninvited, you’d be alarmed. But if a stranger gained access to your computer, would you even know?

There are lots of ways to keep this from happening so you, your family, and your computer all stay safe. Turning on the computer’s firewall to block Internet access to your files and protecting your passwords are just a few of the helpful tips in Get Net Safe from Microsoft, the National Cyber Security Alliance, and the Federal Citizen Information Center. There are even suggestions for how to talk to your children about how to surf the Web safely.

For your free copy, send your name and address to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 594P, Pueblo, CO 81009. Or call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, that’s 1 (888) 878-3256, and ask for Item 594P. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to place your order online or to read or print this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

###

Women traveling alone

Whether you travel regularly for business or are heading out on your first overseas adventure, playing it safe can make your trip more enjoyable. And as a woman, you have to be especially careful when you’re alone.

A healthy dose of common sense and the suggestions in Tips for Women Traveling Alone from the Department of State can help you prepare for your trip and stay safe while you’re abroad. Learning about the culture in your destination, especially local customs of dressing and socializing, will help you blend in and may save you lots of trouble.

This publication costs $1. For your copy, send your name, address, and a check or money order for $1 to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 350P, Pueblo, CO 81009. Or call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, that’s 1 (888) 878-3256, and ask for Item 350P. Have your credit card handy. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to place your order online or to read or print this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

####

login to post comments