Are you reading this over a cuppa at the local java house? If so, look around and pick out three people sitting near you. Now consider this: One of you is going to die of heart disease.

February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness of the number-one cause of death in the United States. 

United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region partners with many great health organizations and supports programs that address health needs. During February, we’ll highlight a few things you can do to live a heart-healthy life.

Let’s start today with tips for better eating, courtesy of WebMD:

•Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fiber.kjk

•Eat fish at least twice a week.

•Limit how much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol you eat to 30 percent of your daily calories.

•Select fat-free or low-fat dairy products.

•Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

•Limit your salt intake.

Sounds tough? Try dividing your plate at each meal so that half includes vegetables, a quarter is high-quality protein such as legumes, and a quarter includes fish or very lean meat.

The American Heart Association, which sponsors American Heart Month, has lots of suggestions for improving your heart health. Check them out at this link.