Orange Juice and Heart Health

"Improving heart health does not need to be a complicated or labor-intensive process. Taking small, simple steps each day can improve or maintain heart health," said Dr. Michael Roizen, author of the new book "YOU, The Owner's Manual." "Americans need to realize that dedicating just a few minutes daily to heart health rituals could save their lives."

According to a recent survey, nearly 9 out of 10 Americans say they would be likely to incorporate small, simple steps to improve their heart health if they were advised as to what these steps were.

In an effort to aid Americans in doing this, Dr. Roizen has outlined five "HeartRites" to be done every day to improve heart health.

Breathe

97 percent of Americans believe that reducing stress can help improve their heart health. Yet, only a third (32%) of Americans are taking steps to reduce stress in their daily lives. Finding small ways to reduce stress each day can improve the health of the heart.

Relax and improve your heart health today:

• Practice deep breathing exercises
• Daydream about an upcoming vacation
• Stretch for five minutes in the morning
• Go to lunch with a friend, instead of eating at your desk

Move

Virtually all Americans (99%) believe that exercising is important to heart health; however, only a quarter (25%) are exercising every day.

"Any amount of physical activity lowers blood pressure—even walking just a few minutes a day," states Dr. Roizen.

There are many activities that can be incorporated into daily routines to improve cardiovascular health, including:

• Taking the stairs, instead of the elevator
• Parking at the back of the parking lot and walking to the door
• Walking the dog a few extra blocks

Drink Orange Juice

When it comes to nutrition, nearly all Americans (99%) know that eating and drinking healthy foods and beverages is important to heart health, yet only half of Americans (51%) are eating healthy foods and beverages every day!

According to Dr. Roizen, low blood pressure is the most important way to prevent heart disease; foods and beverages high in potassium aid in controlling blood pressure.

• Eight ounces of 100% Florida orange juice contains 400 mg of potassium
• Dr. Roizen suggests including two glasses (16 ounces) of 100% orange juice each day to fulfill the 800 mg daily potassium deficit the average American suffers from

Floss

Recent studies show a correlation between gum disease and heart disease. People showing the presence of the bacteria that causes gum disease also showed thickening of the carotid arteries.

• Flossing every day will help prevent gum disease and in turn can lower the risk of heart disease

Sleep

While most Americans correctly believe sleep is important to heart health, over half (56%) are not getting a good night's sleep each night.

Getting enough sleep, six and a half to eight hours per night, is proving to be more and more important:

• Studies show that sleep deprivation or too much sleep can increase your risk of heart disease by 39 percent
• Insuring that the right amount of sleep is part of a daily routine can make a heart significantly healthier