Everybody knows that heart health is essential. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in America.

Your risk of heart disease can be reduced by being informed about your diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

Here are some tips to keep your ticker happy, from choosing protein-rich foods low in saturated fat to sleeping for the best amount of time each evening.

* Get your protein from foods that are low in saturated fat. A good hamburger or steak can be delicious, but it’s also high in saturatedfat. You can choose to eat fish, poultry, and nuts. Consider a protein shake if you’re looking for something lighter. The BowflexBody French Vanilla Fitness Shakewww.bowflexbody.comFor example, ) has 15 grams of protein per cup and just 1 gram saturated fat. These shakes also activate metabolism, helping to build muscle, burn calories, and increase energy.

* Put down the smartphone. It’s vital to disconnect from your phone, work and email for at least one hour per day in today’s 24/7 connected world. This will help reduce stress and keep your blood pressure and heart beat from getting too high.

* Get some rest. Experts recommend getting seven to eight hours sleep per night. A lack of sleep or excessive amounts can lead to health problems.

* Move your body. Recent research from the University of Cambridge found that obesity is more harmful to your body than inactivity. There are many activities that can get your heart pumping. These include walking, swimming, and biking. Do you want a workout that you can do at your home? Bowflex TreadClimberwww.treadclimber.comThe ) incorporates the motions of an elliptical, a stair climber, and a treadmill for a low-impact workout that produces high-impact results.

* Free your inner social butterfly. You can even work out with a friend to keep you on track and motivated. Research has shown that spending time with friends and family can reduce blood pressure, and other factors related to heart disease.

“Even small steps, like adding one strength-training workout a week, can make a big impact,”Tom Holland, Bowflex Fitness Advisor “Beat the Gym” author. “Plus, the Internet is a great resource to find more tips and information.”

Visit this site to find a great place to begin. www.bowflexinsider.com.