February is Heart Health Month

Submitted by: Alta Lockley

County Extension Agent – 4-H/Family & Consumer Sciences

U of A System Division of Agriculture

Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Anyone can get heart disease, but you’re at higher risk if you:

Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes

Smoke

Are overweight or have obesity 

Don't get enough physical activity

Don't eat a healthy diet 

But the good news is there's a lot you can do to prevent heart disease with these tips:

Eat healthy

Get active

Stay at a healthy weight

Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke

Control your cholesterol and blood pressure

Drink alcohol only in moderation

Manage stress

Adopt heart healthy habits today!

February is heart healthy month! For more information on heart health or eating healthy, contact the Arkansas County Extension Service at 870-659-2058 or visit our office at 1009 Liberty Drive, DeWitt. You can check out the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s website https://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/food-nutrition/.

Here is a great tasting recipe that is easy to prepare, uses less sodium and is a perfect appetizer!

Party Pleasing Spicy Garlic Shrimp

 Ingredients

*1 pound uncooked medium shrimp (41 to 50 count)

3 garlic cloves, minced

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup unsalted chicken broth

Directions

Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook garlic and pepper flakes in butter for 1 minute. Add shrimp, cook and stir until shrimp turn pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add chicken broth to the pan; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Return shrimp to skillet; heat through.

*If using frozen, peeled deveined shrimp, skip step one.

Nutritional Information (1 each) 27 Calories, Fat 1g (Saturated Fat 1g), Cholesterol 21 mg, Sodium 26 mg, Carbohydrate 0, (Sugars 0, Fiber 0), Protein 2g.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.