Reliv Says the Battle against Heart Disease Can be Won
Company recognizes American Heart Month with heart healthy advice
CHESTERFIELD, Mo., Jan. 19, 2010 -- It's known as The Silent Killer and for all the right reasons. Heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, has symptoms that don't always make themselves known.
This February, in honor of American Heart Month, Reliv International, a nutrition and direct selling company, is encouraging local residents to be proactive about their heart health. The proper approach, Reliv says, should include more than just avoiding certain activities and foods.
"When it comes to heart health, many experts tend to focus on the 'don’ts' – don't eat red meat, don't smoke, etc.," said Dr. Carl Hastings, chief scientific officer of Reliv International. "And while there's no doubt that those steps are significant, of equal importance are the 'dos' or the positive actions that can actually prevent the onset of heart disease."
Hastings says that by focusing on the primary contributors to good health, namely diet, exercise and stress reduction, people of all ages can significantly reduce their risk of developing heart disease. He says that by following the action steps below, people can gradually change their behavior and develop heart-friendly habits:
• Get a physical: Although you may be feeling fine, you still may have high blood pressure or cholesterol levels that are out of whack. Therefore, one of the most important things you can do to improve your heart health is get a physical, so that the doctor can update you on all of your critical vital stats.
• Revamp your diet: Just as certain foods can increase your risk of developing heart disease, others can actually decrease your chances. So opt for "good" fats, also known as Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, as well as in many nuts and seeds. Also incorporate foods high in soluble fiber, including oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries and apple pulp.
• Be active each and every day: Exercise does not have to involve lengthy gym sessions or logging miles on a track. Try going for a walk with a friend, taking the stairs at work, or dancing – whatever gets you moving more. You need just 30 minutes of activity a day to reap the benefits. You can even break up the time into three ten-minute intervals if that works better for you.
• Take time to relax: With work, family obligations and a busy social calendar demanding your time, it is all too easy for your stress level to soar. And that anxiety you feel does more than just make you tense; it actually increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. So carve out some time each day to unwind, either by spending some quiet time alone or laughing with a friend.
"Many people may believe that they are destined to develop heart disease because of their genetic makeup or family history, but that is simply not the case," added Hastings. "Our research today shows that heart disease is a battle that can be fought and defeated with the proper action steps. All it takes is some commitment and a willingness to change."
This February, in honor of American Heart Month, Reliv International, a nutrition and direct selling company, is encouraging local residents to be proactive about their heart health. The proper approach, Reliv says, should include more than just avoiding certain activities and foods.
"When it comes to heart health, many experts tend to focus on the 'don’ts' – don't eat red meat, don't smoke, etc.," said Dr. Carl Hastings, chief scientific officer of Reliv International. "And while there's no doubt that those steps are significant, of equal importance are the 'dos' or the positive actions that can actually prevent the onset of heart disease."
Hastings says that by focusing on the primary contributors to good health, namely diet, exercise and stress reduction, people of all ages can significantly reduce their risk of developing heart disease. He says that by following the action steps below, people can gradually change their behavior and develop heart-friendly habits:
• Get a physical: Although you may be feeling fine, you still may have high blood pressure or cholesterol levels that are out of whack. Therefore, one of the most important things you can do to improve your heart health is get a physical, so that the doctor can update you on all of your critical vital stats.
• Revamp your diet: Just as certain foods can increase your risk of developing heart disease, others can actually decrease your chances. So opt for "good" fats, also known as Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, as well as in many nuts and seeds. Also incorporate foods high in soluble fiber, including oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries and apple pulp.
• Be active each and every day: Exercise does not have to involve lengthy gym sessions or logging miles on a track. Try going for a walk with a friend, taking the stairs at work, or dancing – whatever gets you moving more. You need just 30 minutes of activity a day to reap the benefits. You can even break up the time into three ten-minute intervals if that works better for you.
• Take time to relax: With work, family obligations and a busy social calendar demanding your time, it is all too easy for your stress level to soar. And that anxiety you feel does more than just make you tense; it actually increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. So carve out some time each day to unwind, either by spending some quiet time alone or laughing with a friend.
"Many people may believe that they are destined to develop heart disease because of their genetic makeup or family history, but that is simply not the case," added Hastings. "Our research today shows that heart disease is a battle that can be fought and defeated with the proper action steps. All it takes is some commitment and a willingness to change."
Reliv International offers essential daily nutrition and weight loss products, along with items focused on heart health, joint health, digestive health and blood-sugar management. The company is the exclusive provider of CardioSentials, a phytosterol-based product that has been proven to reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol.
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