Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States; each year nearly 700,000 Americans die from the disease. The good news, however, is that making the right choices can reduce the risk of developing heart disease by as much as 82 percent.

This morning, Lt. Gov. Patty Judge announced Iowa’s participation in “Your Heart Is in Your Hands,” a Web-based challenge (www.ltgovernorschallege.us) designed to help people set and attain fitness and nutrition goals for healthier hearts.

“With summer upon us, now is the time for Iowans to get outdoors, stay active, and enjoy fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables,” Judge said in a press release. “The ‘Your Heart Is in Your Hands Challenge’ will be a fun, easy and free way for Iowans to lose some weight and live better.”

Judge was among 11 lieutenant governors who signed a resolution last year to participate in the initiative, which is sponsored by pharmaceuticals maker AstraZeneca plc and the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

Participants who record their exercise and diet choices using the free program can qualify to win bronze, silver or gold medals based on points they accumulate over a 12-week period. To qualify for a gold medal for activity, for instance, a person would need to take brisk hour-long walks at least four days a week.

In addition to lists of suggested activities and foods and their point values, the Web site includes a calendar of fitness events across the state, from heart walks and fun runs to triathlons.

“I hope Iowans will join with me in this new and exciting wellness effort, and together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for our state,” Judge said.