In 1963, Congress declared February American Heart Month. With February 2011 in full swing, MSU Extension is reminding university students and the Lansing area to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy heart.

Heart disease is one of the most common diseases today among adults, said Gretchen Hofing, an educator with MSU Extension and a registered dietitian.

“Things like heart disease develop over time,” she said. “The sooner you’re practicing these healthy habits and getting yourself in the habit that supports that, the less you will have to do to think about it.”

Healthy habits include the usual suspects — regular exercise and a balanced diet, Hofing said.

“Find an activity that you enjoy doing, learn to cook with things that are lower in sodium and higher in fiber,” she said. “If you can do these things when you’re young, than you’ll experience less chronic disease as an adult.”

Krogol said most people don’t think about heart health enough.

“Considering that the majority of deaths in the U.S. occur as a result of (heart disease), Americans aren’t thinking about it enough,” she said. “In many cases, people don’t know they are at risk until it’s too late.”

One food especially helpful in combating heart disease is soy, said Andy Welden, president of the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee.
After corn, soybeans are the second-most common crop in the state by the number of acres, he said.

According to numbers from Kathy Maurer, the financial and creative director of the committee, Michigan’s soybean industry has a direct economic impact of about $1 billion. In 2009, Ingham County harvested 51,600 acres of soybeans.

Welden emphasized the numerous benefits of soy — including its strong economic impact in Michigan.

“Soy protein in one’s diet is an excellent way to get protein without cholesterol,” he said. “It’s just heart healthy.”

No-preference freshman Cory Ridenour said heart disease is not something most college students think about on a regular basis.

“I believe that worrying about something so serious — not just in regards to heart disease, but any health issue in general — it’s never too soon to worry about it,” he said.

Krogol said she uses yoga and a balanced diet of whole grains, vegetables and protein to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy heart. The actions college students do today will have a huge impact in the future, she said.

“Creating positive habits now is easier than waiting until we are in a life-threatening position,” Krogol said.