Heart Health for Older Adults

February is National Heart Month. This year's theme is "Know Your Numbers, Own Your Heart" which emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing key cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death in the United States and around the world. K-State Research and Extension aging specialist, Erin Martinez, says heart disease leads all causes of death in the state. However, she says there are steps we can take – at any age – that can help reduce the risk for heart disease. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.