While awareness is growing, heart disease is still seen by many as primarily a man's disease. Yet heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women.

According to the Web site www.hearthealthywomen.org, approximately 356,000 women in America died from heart disease in 2002, compared to 42,000 from breast cancer that same year. From these findings, the site states that heart disease kills six times more women than breast cancer.

Heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become hardened and narrow. This happens because of plaque buildup along the arterial walls, which restricts blood flow to the heart. The results can range from heart arrhythmias (change in the beat of the heart) to a heart attack.

If you are concerned that you may be at risk, the following tips can help keep your heart pumping:

? Stop smoking. Smoking affects not only your heart but also your lungs, and it aggravates various other medical conditions.

? Feed your body well. For heart health, make sure the foods and drinks you consume contain little fat and are low in cholesterol. If you have trouble getting your daily dose of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, try a health beverage like NuVim.

Tested and proven effective in 19 clinical studies, NuVim maintains a healthy immune system and helps with muscle flexibility, according to its manufacturer. This cholesterol-free, fat-free drink contains the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, along with B-12, zinc, calcium and essential amino acids.

? Be happy. Having a positive attitude keeps the effects of stress in check. A high amount of stress can be bad for the heart.

? Say goodbye to alcohol. Limit your intake to 3 ounces or less. People who drink 6 to 8 ounces of alcoholic beverages a day tend to have higher blood pressure.

? Keep moving. Find ways to incorporate exercise into your day, whether it entails taking a brisk walk at lunchtime, stepping up the pace of household chores, or simply taking the stairs whenever possible.