#1 Killer of Americans

America The Great...where heart disease runs ramped. We take so much pride in our beloved country but where is that pride when it comes to ourselves?

Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans today, claiming the lives of more Americans than all cancers combined. Approximately 15 million Americans suffer from some type of heart disease (stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks) and 700,000 of those suffering die each year. How you may ask does one go about getting such a heart breaking disease? Well, they are on just about every block of every major city selling food to order, you can buy them for about $7 a pack, and you could enjoy hours on end watching television. I'm speaking about some of the risk factors involved in heart disease. These risk factors include, but are not limited to:

- A family history of heart disease
- Cigarette smoking
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle

Fast food, processed food and smoking all cause a build up of plaque in the arteries blocking the flow of blood to the heart. Once the blood flow to the heart is slowed or stopped the heart begins to suffer and for some people it is fatal. If a primary relative such as a parent, aunt or uncle has died of heart disease before the age of 55 in males and 65 in females your risk is increased.

The signs of a heart attack include:
- Pain in the jaw or arms
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual sweating
- Heart palpitations

Lifestyle changes can be made in order to reverse or prevent the effects of heart disease. These changes can come by way of diet modification; eating more fish and lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, adding whole grains and becoming more physically active. Studies show that breaking up aerobic activity such as a brisk walk into 10 minute bouts for a total of 30 minutes per day can be very effective in promoting a healthy heart. Studies also show that if you begin an exercise regimen at any age you can begin to see the health benefits, so it is never to late to begin.

Our children are supposed to get 60 minutes a day of physical activity, so someone tell me why they are the first generation in modern times whose life expectancy is 5 years less than their parents! Instead of passing on to our children what makes America great we are passing on bad habits that are prematurely ending their lives. So where does that leave our children in the future?

America The Great...we have to do better! My plan is to attack each health issue one client at a time. I will leave you with this:

"Any idea, plan or purpose may be planted in the subconscious mind by repetition of thought empowered by faith and expectancy" - Bob Proctor: You were born rich

America The Great...we will do better!

God Bless. See you next Sunday

Tausha
Health and Activity