Lifestyle
Changes
At the
top of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
list of primary risk factors for all chronic diseases
are: smoking, poor nutrition, and sedentary lifestyle.
Living
a healthier lifestyle can help to prevent heart
disease. This includes the following:
- eliminating all tobacco
products
- adhering to a heart-healthy
diet
- following an appropriate
exercise program
| Eliminate
all tobacco products: |
| You
should be aware that all tobacco products
are included as risk factors for chronic
illness, not just cigarettes. And, although
there may be medical uses from derivatives
of some social drugs, such as alcohol, there
is no therapeutic use for nicotine. As soon
as you stop smoking, your body begins to
heal itself from the devastating effects
of tobacco. |
| Adhere
to a heart-healthy diet: |
One aspect of managing your heart attack
risk factors includes eating a heart-healthy
diet that includes appropriate levels of
the following:
- calories
- cholesterol
- fat
- fiber
- sodium
To try and eliminate
any confusion, the federal government
has established a food pyramid and food
labeling laws. The food pyramid can help
you eat a variety of foods while encouraging
the right amount of calories and fat.
To find more
information about the Dietary Guidelines
for Americans 2005 and to determine
the appropriate dietary recommendations
for your age, sex, and physical activity
level, visit the Online Resources page
for the links to the Food Pyramid and
2005 Dietary Guidelines sites. Please
note that the Food Pyramid is designed
for persons over the age of two who do
not have chronic health conditions.
Maintaining a
heart-healthy, balanced diet will help
to:
- manage stroke
and heart-attack risk factors.
- prevent or
manage other chronic diseases.
- assist in losing
weight and boosting energy.
- promote overall
good health.
|
| Follow
an appropriate exercise program: |
| One
vital step toward reducing your chances
of having a heart attack is making the
time to exercise. Today, with our fast-paced
society, people must schedule time to
exercise. Choose an activity that you
enjoy doing, then talk with your physician
about an exercise plan that meets your
individual capabilities and needs.
An exercise program
will help in the management of almost
all stroke and heart attack risk factors.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
recommend that a person engage in
at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity
physical activity, above usual activity,
at work or home on most days of the week.
Regular physical activity will help to
promote health, psychological well-being,
and a healthy body weight.
Always consult
your physician regarding your healthy
diet and exercise requirements. |
Click
here to view the Online
Resources of Cardiovascular Disease
|
