The Key to Healthy Change

February is American Heart month and National Cancer Prevention month. Most of us know someone affected by one or both of these common health issues. Here is a scary fact; heart disease affects someone in the United States once every 42 seconds and it is the leading cause of death in the United States! Cancer is the second leading cause of death in this country. However, there is good news so keep reading.
Dr David Katz, founding director (1998) of Yale University’s Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, and current President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine states,
“We have known for literal decades, with evidence continuing to accrue, that fully 80% or more of all chronic disease and premature death is preventable. If the opportunity to eradicate heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, dementia and more- eight times in ten- is not inspiring, I’m not sure what would be.”
Experts recommend three behaviors to help prevent heart disease and cancer. The top three recommendations include a diet high in plant based foods and low in red and processed meat, physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, and maintaining a healthy weight. Of course smoking is to be avoided and alcohol should be limited as well. more information
These tips sound familiar right?
We all hear this recommendation in the news and from our healthcare providers so why is it so hard to change our behaviors? Change takes time and often many attempts before a new behavior becomes a part of our daily lifestyle. The first step is learning about healthy living through healthcare providers, and news articles. Careful thought needs to be given to deciding to change. Once the decision is made it is important to determine the steps needed to make the change. It can be hard to maintain change; engaging support from another person in your life can help. Occasionally the pattern starts all over again with a return to previous habits. Don’t give up, congratulate yourself on your efforts and try again. Every bit of healthier living can impact you overall health. It’s never too late to be healthy!
For more information contact Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley 860-767-0186
Deborah Ringen MSN, RN-BC Faith Community Nurse