Sunday, February 19, 2012

Heart risk factors--lifestyle behaviors

Doctors recognize some lifestyle behaviors as risk factors.  We can affect these risk factors and improve our chances of dealing with heart/cardiovascular disease.  According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these risk factors are:  using tobacco, our diet, our exercise habits, whether we are overweight, and how much alcohol we drink.   

“Cigarette smoking promotes atherosclerosis and increases the levels of blood clotting factors, such as fibrinogen.  Also nicotine raises blood pressure, and carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen that blood can.” http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/behavior.htm  Enough said about smoking and tobacco usage. 

Two resources a person can utilize in their efforts to quit smoking is www.smokefree.gov.  A free support service with counselors, self-materials and the latest information on cessation medications can be accessed at 1-800-784-8669.

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