February is American Heart Month, so let's talk about preventing heart disease in women. But pay attention even if you are a man because most of these recommendations apply to everyone.

women are more likely to die after a heart attack than men. One reason for this higher death rate is that women tend to be older than men when they have their first heart attack.

# Increase omega-3 fatty acids. You can get these healthy fats by eating oily fish such as salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, sardines, herring, and lake trout. Women with known heart disease may also wish to take omega-3 supplements.

# Supplement with care. Be aware that supplements such as folate, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene do not prevent heart disease and so should not be taken for that purpose.

# If you smoke, quit! Look for such options as nicotine-replacement medications and smoking-cessation counseling.