Science fiction came a little closer to reality in 2012 when scientists learned how the heart uses its existing cells to make new ones after some are damaged in a heart attack (think "Terminator 2" and the auto-regenerating T-1000). That's big news! They've also discovered a host of new steps you can take to make sure your ticker keeps producing these healthy new heart cells.

Prevent Collateral Damage: Stopping sleep apnea and snoring can prevent heart damage. Your best moves: Lose weight if you need to; stay away from alcohol and tobacco; and use a nighttime breathing assist, called CPAP. Other surprising ways to avoid heart disease? Brush, floss, and get regular checkups from a dental professional. (You'll also protect yourself from diabetes and erectile dysfunction — particularly for men 30 to 40 years old.) How hard is that?
SPECIAL: 4 Bodily Signs a Heart Attack Is Near. See Them Now!
Get Proactive: A new study shows that when you add a healthy diet (low in saturated fats, no trans fats, lots of veggies and fruits, lean protein, and 100 percent whole grain) to an optimal medication regimen (most likely, statins and managing blood pressure), you increase your protection from cardiac events significantly — particularly if you've already got cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Habitual physical activity also lowers the risk of heart-damaging metabolic syndrome and diabetes, and keeps your heart cells healthy. Get your heart rate up to 85 percent of your age-adjusted max for 20 minutes, three times a week. Walk 10,000 steps a day — no excuses. And lift weights for 30 minutes a week.


© 2012 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.