African Americans to reach health resolutions through Search Your Heart

"After retiring from a night-shift job 12 years ago, Obrey Smith bought an easy chair and caught up on TV shows, including Monday Night Football. He also ate large portions of food and didn't exercise. His leisurely lifestyle eventually caught up with him: He became overweight and was diagnosed with diabetes -- risk factors for heart disease and stroke. That's when he knew he had to change his lifestyle. "It was a wake-up call," said Smith, 73, of Austin, Texas. Like many people, Smith couldn't lose the weight on his own. So, through his church, he joined Search Your Heart, the American Heart Association's community-based educational program targeted to African Americans. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of all Americans. African Americans have higher rates of some risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, than other ethnic groups. Search Your Heart participants learn how to fit physical activity into their busy, daily lives; prepare healthy meals using flavorful recipes that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat; and reduce and control their risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes" - AHA