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Preventing Heart Disease
Heart disease is a common health concern for many
Americans because it is the No. 1 killer in the U.S. We know a
lot about what causes heart disease today, including the kinds
of things people can do for themselves to help prevent it.
There are several health and lifestyle factors
associated with heart disease. Luckily, these factors can be
controlled with a commitment to personal health and a positive
attitude toward daily life.
A person who wants to prevent heart disease should
follow these guidelines:
V Quit or don’t start smoking.
V Reduce the amount of fat in the diet, especially
saturated fat, which is primarily found in animal
foods. Some vegetable fats, such as palm oil and
coconut milk or oil, also are saturated, as are
hydrogenated fats. Try to limit the percentage of daily
calories from fat to no more than 30 percent of
total calories.
V Restrict the intake of cholesterol, also found in
animal foods, including butter, egg yolks, whole
milk dairy products, meat, poultry and fish.
V Eat a varied diet that emphasizes whole grains,
vegetables, fruits, and whole grain breads and
pastas.
V Cut down on salt and sugary foods.
V Exercise regularly.
V Maintain a healthy weight.
V Learn to manage stress.
V Watch your blood pressure.
A person’s age, sex, family history, medical history, and
other health and environmental factors also can affect the
tendency to develop heart disease. The best way to start
protecting against heart attack is to know your personal risk
factors and tailor your lifestyle changes to suit your particular
medical needs.
For more information on your personal risk of heart
disease and heart attack, consult your health care provider.
For additional advice on developing good eating habits or an
exercise program, ask your health care provider for specific
information and referrals to support groups or other
medical specialists.
National Burn Awareness Week
is Feb. 6-12
Each year in the United States, 20,000 children 15 and
under are burned by curling irons and clothing irons. Another
16,000 children receive thermal injuries from electric ranges,
ovens, grills, and heaters. More than 5,000 are injured by lit
cigarettes and cigarette lighters. More than 2,000 are injured
from contact with electrical cords and outlets.
Please protect your children and become aware of the
hazards that may exist in your home.
Limit TV for Your Kids
The latest policy statement of the American Academy
of Pediatrics gives three guidelines:
No TV for Toddlers
Kids less than two years old should not watch TV.
What they need for their brain development is close-up
interaction with other people.
© 1995 PARLAY INTERNATIONAL 1600.087
Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is available at the clinic. It’s a good
idea to vaccinate everyone in your family over 2 years of age.
Check your kids’ records - make sure they are protected.
12
Less Than Two Hours a Day
Older kids should spend less than two hours a day in
front of the tube. Kids over two years old should limit TV viewing
to less than one or two hours a day of quality programs
or videos.
Monitor All Ages
All kids should not have TVs and computers in their
bedrooms. These items should be kept in common rooms
where parents can monitor their use.