From American Heart Association: My Heart. My Life. E-Newsletter: January 2013 Edition

Happy, Healthy New Year

2013 gives us a renewed opportunity to start healthy habits. But if you're feeling discouraged about your New Year's resolution, then remember this: each meal is a new chance to be healthy. That means, you have at least three new chances a day to get it right!  We're not striving for perfection here-just make sure you're eating healthy foods most of the time and squeeze in some physical activity into your day. You'll be on the right track. How are you doing with your New Year's Resolution? Tell us on Facebook.

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Shop with Heart at Belk

Shopping never felt so good! Belk is supporting the American Heart Association and our life-saving work. Simply shop at Belk Jan. 14-Feb. 28; they make it quick and simple to donate $1 or more to the AHA at check out.

Here are a few fun ways that you can support the AHA by shopping and donating at Belk:

• Brighten your wardrobe with something special for National Wear Red Day, Feb. 1.
• Give thanks for the healthy hearts in your life by honoring them on the Wall of Hearts in Belk stores.
• Buy something sweet for your Valentine.
• Set a week-long health goal (such as eating a fruit or vegetable with every meal or exercising every day), and reward yourself with something nice when you achieve it.
• Stretch your dollar by shopping Feb. 3-9, and you'll receive a set of three coupons each for 20% off a single item.
• Post a photo of your purchase to our Facebook page.
• Thank Belk for supporting the AHA on Facebook and Twitter.

Find a store near you at www.belk.com/heart.

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Join the Sodium Swap Challenge
It's no surprise that Americans consume way too much sodium - more than twice the AHA's recommendation of less than 1,500 mg a day. Beyond the salt shaker, sodium ranks high on the ingredient list for lots of processed/packaged food and restaurant food, too-especially those foods listed among the AHA's Salty Six.

What's also tricky about sodium is that the more you eat it; the more you want it--until eventually even the Salty Six foods don't taste salty enough. (If you've ever sprinkled salt on your pizza or sandwich, you know what we mean.)

With just 21 days of discipline, your taste buds can adjust so that even reduced or no-sodium foods will taste good to you. That's the goal of the 21-day Sodium Swap Challenge; each week, we'll give you a new challenge to reduce the sodium in your diet.

Step up to the plate, re-charge your taste buds, and give your heart-health a boost. Check out the Sodium Swap Challenge starting Jan. 7 on Facebook. Are you up for the challenge?

Snap Fitness Avon Connecticut

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avonct@snapfitness.com

(860) 581-4014