| Preventing
Cardiovascular Diseases
Primary risk factors for chronic
disease:
At the top of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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, including 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.
|
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