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Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases
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
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Eliminate all tobacco products:
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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:
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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
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Follow an appropriate
exercise program:
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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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