10 in 10:President Clinton’s Top 10 Heart Healthy Tips

Start early.

Habits I learned when I was a kid led to the heart problems I’ve experienced as an adult. Don’t wait to change your lifestyle. It’s never too early to get more exercise, eat smarter, and set a good example for kids in your community.

Get more physical activity.

When I was President, I gave the Secret Service a good work out by running the mall. After I was persuaded to stop that for security reasons, I revamped worked in the gym. If none of these are options for you, try volunteering in your community — engage in something physical such as planting gardens or walking dogs at a local shelter. Giving can keep you moving.

Change your diet.

I’ve changed my eating habits to respond to my heart problems, with more beans, vegetables, whole grains and fruit and without meat and dairy products. I’ve lost weight and kept my energy up. If you’re not at a healthy weight, my diet may not work for you, so check with your doctor about what diet and lifestyle changes you should make.

Try new, heart healthy recipes.

If you’re looking for something healthy to cook, here’s a great recipe for Grilled Chicken with Strawberry and Pineapple Salsa from the American Heart Association, our partner in fighting childhood obesity. Try the recipe today.

Up your potassium and lower sodium.

Potassium-rich fruits and vegetables support healthy blood pressure — and every purchase from a local farmers market helps to sustain local livelihoods and reduce carbon emissions from transportation.

Change your environment.

One of the best ways to change your lifestyle is to change the environments where you spend the most time — whether it&squo;s where you live, where you work, or where you relax. Learn more about how the Alliance is working with schools to improve the health of students and staff.

Eat more fish.

Although I’ve taken on more of a vegan lifestyle, I still eat fish on occasion because they are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which are good for a healthy heart and other essential functions.

Reduce intake of high-calorie beverages.

Switch to water, 100 percent fruit juices, lowfat and fat free milk and portion controlled sports drinks. 98% of schools in America are now in compliance with the Alliance’s beverage guide — are you?

Keep stress low by doing what you love.

Working keeps me calm and whole really because it gives me something to look forward to everyday when I get up. I’d be more stressed out if all I had to look forward to was my tee time.

Fight climate change.

Studies have linked the consequences of climate change — changing weather patterns, harmful ozone gasses, more air pollution — with cardiovascular disease and other health problems. The more we do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the more we are doing for our heart — and the health of our children and grandchildren.