5 Reasons to Talk to Your Family About Heart Disease: Heart disease, the leading killer of Americans, doesn't just suddenly happen. It takes decades to develop, and your risk increases as you age. Have a heart-to-heart discussion with your family about their health to get everyone thinking about ways to protect their hearts for the long haul.

1. What Goes Around Comes Around:  You should care about your parents' health because they're basically a future you. Their health problems could very well be your health problems one day. If you learn about your risks now, you can begin planning for a healthier life. Does your family have a history of heart disease? What about high cholesterol or high blood pressure? All of those conditions can be passed down to you.
2. You are What You Eat:  Is your family slacking when it comes to what they eat and drink? Does your whole family regularly feast on food that's not so healthy? Here's where you come in. You're armed with facts about how bad fats and too much sodium (salt) and alcohol are harmful for heart health. Get your family up to speed on simple ways to transform their eating habits. Bring your family along during the next grocery shopping trip and pick new fruits and vegetables to taste test together.
3. It'll Move You:  Yes, helping your family members avoid heart disease is emotionally satisfying. But the results of having the conversation should also move you into action. As in, getting some physical activity. Physical activity can have a profound effect on heart health. It also boosts mood and keeps your body stronger as you age. Adults should aim for getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (like a brisk walk) each week, or about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Try a family fitness challenge and compete with each other to see who can get the best results.
4. Because More Than Physical Health is at Risk: Researchers are learning that having high blood pressure in midlife (say, in your late 40s or early 50s) can lead to dementia later in life.  High blood pressure also raises the risk for heart attacks, stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, and other problems. Unfortunately, millions of people don't know they have high blood pressure. Encourage your family members to know their blood pressure and cholesterol numbers.
5. Be Forever Young:  Just as bad living habits (like smoking and being overweight) can age you prematurely, good living habits can help you feel younger longer. This is especially true for your heart. On average, U.S. adults have hearts that are 7 years older than they should be.  Whether it's with a gentle nudge, a friendly question, or an outright, factual "in your face," YOU can change heart health in your loved ones. Starting the conversation is awkward; we get it. But it's worth it, and once you get started, it'll get easier.