WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. first lady Laura Bush Saturday urged Americans to practice "heart-healthy" habits.
The first lady delivered the weekly radio address normally given by President George W. Bush, and used the occasion to remind listeners that February is American Heart Month -- "a time to start heart-healthy habits, and to learn about the risk factors for heart disease."
"These risk factors include smoking, being overweight, lack of exercise, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, family history and age," she said. "Heart disease affects more than 80 million people in the United States and claims the life of one American every minute."
The first lady said heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute launched the Heart Truth campaign in 2002 and asked Mrs. Bush to join.
"Over the last five years, I've seen the Heart Truth campaign spread the word to women about how they can protect their heart health," she said. "Symptoms of a heart attack can be different in women than in men. Symptoms in women can include persistent fatigue, difficulty breathing, and a pain in the jaw or neck."
