Don't spook your heart this Halloween's

Here's a top Halloween tip...

Did you know that pumpkins count towards your 5-a-day for fruit and veg!

Check out some more of our top tips for how to have a heart healthy Halloween here

Download the new BHF free podcast

We thought you'd like to know that our latest free podcast is now available to download via iTunes by subscribing to the BHF podcast feed or from our website

In this latest podcast, called Recovery - The Facts in Five Minutes, we talk about some of the major issues faced by heart patients coming out of hospital after suffering a heart attack, or having undergone major heart surgery.

These include how much physical activity to safely do, whether or not to drive, how to cope emotionally with the new situation, dealing with financial and insurance issues, and knowing when it's right to return to work.

If you, or someone you know, is facing issues related to recovery or have other heart health queries, this podcast is for you.

You can also phone our Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311, and check out the information and resources on our website at bhf.org.uk/recovery

Change not as good as a rest - at least for your heart

Sometimes change is good - but not it seems when it comes to heart health and women.

Latest BHF-funded research shows that major life changes can affect the amount of physical activity women do.

Starting work, a change in relationship such as getting married and becoming a parent all saw women doing less physical activity according to a team of researchers from the Department of Public Health at the University of Oxford.

Dr. Steve Allender study author from the University of Oxford said: “It is clear that these key life changes affect the amount of physical activity undertaken by women. A decrease in physical activity can contribute to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, back pain, poor joint mobility and psychosocial problems. The effects on our health must not be underestimated."

You can find out more about heart disease and women on our website.

Plus information on how to get active.

Your Heart Matters

We've just launched Heart Matters, a brand new free service for you if you're looking to improve, or look after, your heart health.

When you sign-up you'll receive a special Heart Matters pack (pictured right) including a 'heart risk' tape measure, a guide to heart health and a 5-a-day Food Diary.

You also get access to a dedicated Heart Matters HelpLine, staffed by cardiac nurses and heart health advisers, regular issues of 'heart health' magazine, plus the chance to receive regular support emails on issues including getting active, healthy eating and well being.

Find out more about Heart Matters at the new website

And don't forget to let us know what you think about our new free service by posting a comment below...