150 likes | 234 Views
FEBRUARY 2006. Heart Disease. The #1 killer among Americans Almost ¼ of Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease Almost 6 million hospitalizations each year are due to cardiovascular disease Healthcare costs for heart diseases in 2003 were estimated at $351 billion.
E N D
Heart Disease • The #1 killer among Americans • Almost ¼ of Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease • Almost 6 million hospitalizations each year are due to cardiovascular disease • Healthcare costs for heart diseases in 2003 were estimated at $351 billion www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/bb_heartdisease/index.htm
Eat Less Fat Fats more likely to increase risk of heart disease include: • Fats from animals: • Meats • Milk • Cheese • Butter • Also foods containing palm and coconut oil
Eat Less Sodium • Eating less sodium can help lower blood pressure • We do need sodium in our diet, but not as much as most Americans consume • Avoid adding salt to foods at the table
Eat Fewer Calories • Eating more calories than the body needs results in weight gain • Being overweight can increase risk of developing heart disease • Eating fewer calories helps in weight loss
Eat More Fiber • Fiber may help lower chances of developing heart disease • Find fiber in: • Fruits • Vegetables • Whole grains
Diet Tips for a Healthy Heart • Eat a diet low in saturated fats, especially animal fats and palm and coconut oils • Add foods that are high in monounsaturated fats such as olive and canola oils and seafood • Eat foods containing polyunsaturated fats found in plants and seafood; safflower and corn oil are good sources
Diet Tips for a Healthy Heart • Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium • Maintain or improve your weight • Eat plenty of whole grain products, fruits, and vegetables • Eat a variety of foods!
Read Food Labels • Food labels can help you eat less fat, sodium, calories, and more fiber • Look for certain words on labels: • Fat free • Saturated fat free • Low saturated fat • Low sodium • Unsalted • Light • Reduced calorie • High fiber
More Tips for a Healthy Heart • Have cholesterol levels checked; less than 200 is good • Get regular exercise • If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation • For more information visit: • www.fda.gov • www.cdc.gov