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Heart disease is
considered the #1 killer among all
Americans. According to the American heart
association, cardiovascular disease (CVD)
ranks as America’s No. # 1 killer, claiming
the lives of over 36 percent of more than
2.4 million people who die each year in the
United States.
Risk Factors
Contributing To Heart Disease.
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- Obesity: Obesity is now
considered an epidemic in the
United States, and is
also
considered a chronic health
problem. The CDC states, “Over
60 percent of Americans are
either overweight or obese.
Obesity is the leading
lifestyle related cause of
disease and death in the United
States, after smoking”
- High Cholesterol Level: A
high cholesterol level leads to
the formation of plaque within
your arteries and heart. This
plaque buildup, if not treated
can obstruct the free flow of
blood to the heart muscle, which
can lead to a heart attack.
- Physical Inactivity:
Living a sedentary lifestyle, that is, no physical
exercise or activity can weaken
your heart muscle. Your heart is
a muscle the size of your fist
and it must be strengthened
through aerobic exercise. Just
like any other muscle within the
body, if not exercised it will
weaken and atrophy.
- Diabetes: According to
the American Diabetes
Association, more than 65% of
people with diabetes die from
heart disease or stroke. “By
managing diabetes, high blood
pressure and cholesterol, people
with diabetes can reduce their
risk of heart disease.”
- High blood pressure:
(Hypertension) an elevated blood
pressure means the pressure in
your arteries is too high.
- Smoking: Smoking not only
destroys your lungs but your
heart valves as well.
- Women: Women are more
likely to die from heart disease
than men. According to the
Women’s Heart Foundation 8
million women in the United
States are currently living with
heart disease. 35,000 are under
age 65 years old. |
Preventive Measures
Eat Green:
Incorporate more green foods into your
diet. Dark green leafy vegetables such as,
kale, collards, spinach, green peppers and
romaine lettuce provides an enormous amount
of vital nutrients that the body needs for
maintenance for your organs and tissues.
Decrease Your Intake
Of saturated fat. Cholesterol comes from
animal products only, especially red
meats. Also, watch your intake of butter,
cheeses and other fatty foods. You will not
find saturated fats in plants/vegetables.
Decrease excess body
weight: Exercise is so important. A
little bit can go a long way towards better
health. Maintain a healthy body weight.
Exercise at least three times a week.
Add fresh fish to the diet:
Salmon,
mackerel, sardines, herring and lake trout
are all high in omega 3 fatty acids. These
oils are necessary for the optimum function
of the heart. Omega 3’s also increases your
HDL (Which is your good cholesterol) and
helps to reduce blood pressure.
Staying healthy and maintaining a
reasonable level of good health is very
challenging. The Bible tells us that we can
do all things through Christ who strengthens
us. That includes maintaining a healthy
spirit, mind and body.
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