In a study reported in the July 22/29, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), adhering to a healthy lifestyle resulted in significantly decreased risks for heart failure. The study followed 20,900 men with a mean age of 53.6 years who had no apparent heart problems at the start of the study. This group was a part of the Physicians Health Study I from 1982 to 2008. The following 6 modifiable risk factors were assessed:
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healthy body weight
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not smoking
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regular exercise
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minimal alcohol intake
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moderate consumption of breakfast cereals
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significant consumption of fruits and vegetables
Over a mean time period of 22.4 years those who followed all 6 healthy lifestyle habits had a significantly lower risk of heart failure.
Regarding factor #5, as a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, I would like to point out that many breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar. Furthermore, many people do not do well with wheat or other gluten containing grains. What is not mentioned above is the importance of eating breakfast regularly. That should be emphasized over moderately consuming breakfast cereals. Nevertheless, for this article to appear in JAMA in and of itself is commendable.
If you already consistently follow all 6 of these lifestyle habits, congratulations! Very few people consistently do. Many need to make these become lifestyle habits. Most will agree that these are easier said than done. Most need training, and some will need to address problem areas, such as overweight or obesity.
We offer a well-designed, proven and very effective program called “Therapeutic Lifestyle Program”. For more information read more about the Therapeutic Lifestyle Program.
Dr Husbands is a Chiropractor, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, an Anti-Aging Healthcare Practitioner and a Functional Medicine Doctor. For more information, visit http://www.holistichealthbayarea.com.
Copyright © 2009; Douglas Husbands, DC, CCN, ABAAHP. All rights reserved.
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