| Lifestyle Changes Primary risk factors for chronic disease:
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:
- 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.
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. |
|
