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When I was in the 9th grade, the second year of public school for this home-school kid, I had the BRILLIANT idea of entering the Science Fair. That year, triggered by a recent lesson on dominant and recessive genes, I was going to take on a major research project … had the science fair come later in the year, I’m sure I would have been inspired by BOB, AKA ”Big Ol’ Butt” – the frog I dissected in the spring.
Yes, I named him. I also named the fetal pig I dissected in Biology 2. Her name was Charlotte. And, I made her a lace bow. She deserved to look pretty.
But, I digress. In the 9th grade, spurred by the knowledge that many in my Mother’s side of the family had suffered from heart defects, heart disease and numerous other heart issues, I decided I was going to research my chance of having heart problems.
Using a pedigree chart, a punnet’s square and half a ton of family research for both sides of my family, I came down to a final conclusion: My three sisters and I all had a 25% chance of dealing with heart disease in our lives.
(oh … the 90′s with its lovely florals…. oy)
Now, as a 15 year old kid, I was more concerned about using this information to win my science fair, but as a 30-something year old adult . . . the knowledge that I have a 1 in 4 chance of facing heart disease is terrifying.
It’s one of the reasons I keep trying to do what’s right:
- Whole grains, Fruits and Vegetables, Heart-Healthy Fats
(my favorite lunch)
- Exercise (both cardio and strength training)
(quick “catch my breath” break during a recent training run)
- And, trying to make smart choices when eating out or picking up convenience items from the grocery store.
(quick lunch after craving my childhood favorites of soup and grilled cheese)
It’s just a simple matter of Addressing Your Heart.
Campbell’s is trying to encourage people to focus on a healthy heart this month. If you share how you care for your heart in the kitchen with a photo, story or tip, you will be entered in the Campbell’s Address Your Heart Kitchen Project Sweepstakes. The big prize is a $50,000 kitchen makeover!
Follow the steps below and share how you care for your heart to participate in Campbell’s contest and you could win a $50,000 kitchen makeover.
(Contest Rules & Prize Page.)
Step 1: Submit a photo below that shows how you care for your heart
Step 2: Fill out the information required including your name, email address and zip code.
Step 3: Write a short contest entry (up to 200 words) that corresponds with the photo and share how you care for your heart. Please be honest and sincere with all your thoughts and remember to tell us in 200 words or less.
Step 4: Confirm you’ve read the Official Rules.
Step 5: Log in through your Facebook account.
Step 6: Submit your contest entry.
You can share your contest entry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and visit AddressYourHeart.com for recipes, tips, and downloadable coupons for heart-healthy products from Campbell.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of the Campbell Soup Company’s Address Your Heart initiative. The opinions, text, and images are all mine.
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About Rachel Lacy
My name is Rachel -- I share tales about food and family. I'm a home-cook who focuses on fresh & simple meals to both fuel us and to help us celebrate our family-life. My day starts with coffee. Lots of coffee. 
Monday - Corn Casserole, Pepper Steak, Salad
Tuesday - 
Wow that soup looks delish!! I love that you named your animals!!
looks yummy and great healthy meals!
It’s so important, isn’t it? We’ll never regret taking good care of our hearts!
The eggs and salad look delicious!
Turning 30 has got me thinking about heart health too. High BP runs in the family.
I already entered – I want a new kitchen
On another note – are you the one on the far right? Whoever that is, looks just like your Mom (who I assume is the one in the white suit).
Yup — that would be me!
Heart disease runs in my family on both sides, so I took some steps to not only eat better and become more active, but quit smoking as well. Prevention is key!
That salad is one of my favorites as well.
I love healthy meals, but I love them better when someone else cooks them for me
Actually, everything tastes better when someone else cooks for me. I’m starting to get lazy, lol!
I love Campbell’s! And what a great contest!
Um, I’ve never seen that soup before. I. Must. Get. Some!
I love the shadow photo! My father died of heart disease so I know how important it is to stay heart healthy.
This soup looks so good.
I have been trying to eat more heart healthy recipes. Your food looks yummy!
I have never seen Campbell’s packets like that before.
We have a history of heart disease on my mom’s side of the family. Eating healthy and getting more exercise has become a big part of my life!
I am definitely working as hard as I can to be healthier. I want to make sure I am around to see my boys turn old and grey too!
Thanks for the contest info, and agree, heart health is IMPORTANT! I try to cook very healthy for my family, keep us active, etc as well.
Great tips and I seriously would love a kitchen make over.