5 Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy

By Anissa Durham | Word In Black Courtesy of istockphoto (WIB) – As we close out the year, prioritizing health during the holiday season is essential. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. And to make matters worse, research shows most heart attacks happen between Christmas and New Year’s.   The holiday season is a time when many families come together to share in gift-giving and home-cooked meals. Tables are plated with slow-roasted ham, mac and cheese, and candied yams. Amid the holiday spirit, the tradition is often to overeat, drink too much, and indulge in sweets we’ve waited for all year.& Unfortunately, the foods Black families love during this time are not the healthiest for their hearts. Holiday-themed foods with lots of salt, fat, and sugar can contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart attacks. This may raise concerns for Black men and women, who had higher rates of heart disease deaths than white people in 2019.& To help keep our community healthy and informed, Word In Black spoke with two physicians about ways you can protect your heart during this holiday season.& & Dr. Richard Benson is a vascular neurologist and director...