Lifestyle Changes

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 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:

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 accomplish the following:

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:

An exercise program will help in the management of almost all stroke and heart-attack risk factors.

Learn more about OSU Medical Center's weight management program or find a primary care physician to discuss your health concerns with.

If you are more than 100 pounds overweight, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery.