Aug 18, 2011
Nature Made and WomenHeart conducted a survey about what Americans think about heart health. Unfortunately, there was a bit of difference between what people knew they should do and what they actually do to take care of their hearts. Here are the results and tips from Board Certified Nutritionist Dr. Melina Jampolis on how you can back up your words with action if you’re struggling with the same issue.
Weight - Eighty percent of people surveyed said they maintained a healthy weight specifically for the purpose of keeping a healthy heart. National statistics report that less than one-third of adults in U.S. are at a healthy weight.
- Next to not smoking, losing weight is the most important thing you can do to improve your heart health, but it doesn’t have to be drastic. Dr. Melina says that losing just 10 percent of your body weight can make a significant difference to not only your heart health, but also your overall health. Set aside a few minutes to plan your meals for the week so you’ll be less tempted to pick up something quick and convenient, but unhealthy, from a fast food joint.
Nutrition - Eighty-one percent said that had a healthy diet. However, only 45 percent said they eat foods that are rich in antioxidants and only 31 percent said they regularly ate foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
Lifestyle - Ninety-two percent believed they have at least a moderate level of control over their heart health, but only 29 percent said they have made major lifestyle changes to keep their hearts healthy.
- Have a conversation with your doctor. He or she can help you identify risk factors, and educating yourself will empower you to improve your overall health.
For more information about heart health, visit Nature Made's Heart Health site.