Heart smart

Each year since 1963, Congress has requested that the president of the United States designate February as American Heart Month. Because cardiovascular disease is still America's No. I killer and because we're in an ongoing fight against it, President Bush once again will issue an official proclamation to turn attention to this disease. And once again, most Americans won't know the difference.

All of us should care about heart disease, but not all of us do. As with so many illnesses, we adopt an it-can't-happen-to-me attitude, and we act surprised when our cholesterol levels top 200. Or when our friends--active, youthful, athletic--have bypass surgeries or heart attacks. Thankfully we learn from our mistakes and those of others. We shift our attitudes from "can't happen to me" to "won't happen to me," and before we know it, the diet and exercise programs we adopted for better health and longevity have given us just that. Amazing.

Eric Boyle knows a thing or two about longevity, as you'll read in this month's "Breakfast of Champions." At an age when most men are counting the years till retirement, this 56-year-old Floridian is more active than ever. A body builder and tennis pro, Boyle banks on a protein-rich vegetarian diet to get him into the winner's circle. Learn more about his and other athletes' heart-healthy habits in this article, and maybe you'll make them your own.

Hers is a name you might not know, but it's one you won't soon forget. The indomitable Crescent Dragonwagon, author of the bestselling cookbook Passionate Vegetarian and, like Boyle, a spirited 50-something, is this month's featured chef (see "From the Heart"). Her two menus of good-for-you food won't leave you feeling guilty about asking for seconds.

We won't be surprised at all if you reach for a second serving of dessert after tasting the guiltless confections featured in this month's "Sweet & Low." Created by recipe developer Susan Stuck, these before-and-after recipe makeovers were inspired by the to-die-for treats served by the nation's top pastry chefs, Now you really can have your cake and eat it too! Look for other recipe makeovers in upcoming issues.

I'm hoping that one day we won't need a presidential proclamation to draw attention to cardiovascular disease. In the meantime, though, I urge you to take the proclamation's words to heart:

When Americans take personal steps to improve their health, our whole society benefits. By developing good eating habits, being physically active, ... we can save lives.

That's a message worth repeating in any month.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, VT!

November 2004 marks our 30th anniversary month and will kick off a year-long celebration. Readers, here are two ways you can help us make this anniversary unforgettable: 1) Send us your old issues of VT from 1974 to 1980 for our permanent archives, and we'll send you a VT cookbook. 2) Send us a brief essay (up to 200 words) telling us what VT has meant to you over the years, and if we select yours, we'll publish it in the November 2004 issue.

Carla Davis

Managing Editor

COPYRIGHT 2004 Vegetarian Times, Inc. All rights reserved.
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