Do you know what
cardiovascular disease (CVD) means?
Whether you have CVD, or even high blood pressure, it could make the
difference between a full and happy life and disability…
CVD
refers to any disease of the heart and the blood vessels or circulation, while
CHD [coronary heart disease] is a more specific condition resulting from
reduced blood flow in the coronary arteries…According to the AHA [American
Heart Association], approximately 1,100,000 Americans will have a coronary
attack this year. About 650,000 of
these will be first heart attacks… (Howley & Franks, 2007, p. 298)
Furthermore, if you have
hypertension, or high blood pressure, you could get CVD! “[It] greatly increases a person’s risk
of developing cardiovascular disease…It is estimated that 65 million people in
the United States have hypertension.”
(Howley & Franks, 2007, p. 299) If you have moderate hypertension (Ask your doctor as to
whether this applies to you.—S.D.) there are non-drug options commonly applied,
in order to reduce your blood pressure numbers, such as: reducing salt/sodium intake; losing
weight ; and,
participating
in an endurance exercise program….Moderate-intensity exercise should be done
frequently and for duration long enough to expend a large number of
calories. Furthermore, for those
with higher BPs[blood pressures] who are taking medication, such an exercise
program along with changes in diet, smoking, and body weight can lower BP. In these cases, BP should be checked
frequently so medications can be reduced as needed. (Howley & Franks, 2007,
p. 299)
So, altering diet and weight
loss strategies don’t only apply to pre-diabetes (which I have—S.D.) or
diabetes (runs in my family—S.D.), diet also applies to high blood pressure and
CVD…Thus, my future posts on diet or my weight-loss journey can be used to not
only hopefully prevent (or reverse?) diabetes, but to improve your blood
pressure—involving taking fewer or no medications--without all of the various
side effects.
In the Summer 2012 issue of Amazing Wellness magazine—you might
still be able to pick this up free at your local Vitamin Shoppe store—there are
5 weight-loss tips from personal trainer Bob Harper (of the NBC show The Biggest Loser):
ü
Drink a large
glass of water before every meal.
ü
Enjoy up to 2
cups of black coffee or espresso per day (Research shows that you’ll have lower
rates of diabetes, clearer thinking and an anti-inflammatory effect; in
addition to it suppressing appetite and increasing your calorie-burn.).—I drink
coffee every day, but because I used to have an ulcer, my stomach is too sensitive
for me to drink it black!--S.D.
ü
“Apples and
berries are two foods that should be eaten daily, [they] are rich in
phytochemicals which help out your metabolism and act as powerful natural anti-inflammatories. Even better, they help lower bad
cholesterol.” (Nix, Summer 2012,
p. 42)
ü
“[T]ry your best
not to consume any carbohydrates after lunch. Snack on fiber, vegetables, fresh fruit, or protein instead
of hitting the carbs…[E]at lean and green (especially in the evenings).” (Nix, Summer 2012, p. 42)
ü
Get enough
sleep, avoiding drinking alcohol after 8 p.m. (Nix, Summer 2012)
{DlSCLAIMER: I am not a licensed healthcare professional. Please consult with a medical doctor/MD,
doctor of osteopathy/DO, or naturopathic doctor/ND if you have any health
concerns.}
Reference:
Howley, E. T. & Franks, B. D. (2007). Fitness professional’s
handbook (5th Ed.).
Champaign, IL: Human
Kinetics.
Nix, A.
(2012, Summer). Guest
spot: Up close and personal. Amazing
wellness. 38-42.
