Lisa Nelson, RD

2010 Dietary Guidelines to Implement

On January 31, 2011 the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans was released. This is the 7th edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are the federal governments evidence-based nutritional guidelines to promote health, reduced chronic disease risk, and decreased prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.

Here are three clear steps you can implement now to promote heart health today.

1. Calories in equal calories out.

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Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

high blood pressureArteries are made of muscle and tissues that allow them to be elastic and stretch. As blood pressure rises arteries are required to expand further to accommodate blood flow. High blood pressure leads to many health complications, including damage to blood vessels, the heart, and kidneys. If not treated, high blood pressure may contribute to a heart attack and death.

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Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol for Pet Owners

According to several studies have found pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those who do not own a pet. Here are a few possible reasons owning a pet improves cholesterol and blood pressure:

1. Stress relief – Many people find petting and interacting with a pet to be soothing.

2. Increased reason for activity – If you own a pet that needs a walk, you have an increased reason to get exercise yourself.

3. Support – For many pet owners there pet is someone that is always there for them no matter what.

Owning a pet promotes an overall healthier lifestyle. You get out and exercise with your pet, whether it’s a walk, run, or playtime. You have a nonjudgmental party to share your struggles with. You get out and socialize more, whether you head to a local dog park or simply have pet ownership as an easy conversation topic. Plus, pets promote family time as everyone pitches in to care for a furred loved one.

Be sure to sign up for the free e-course “7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure” at http://lowerbloodpressurewithlisa.com.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
https://lisanelsonrd.com

5 Reasons to Exercise

Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is beneficial for your cardiovascular system.

Here are 5 reasons to add physical activity to your everyday routine:

1. Decrease risk for breast and colon cancer

A study has found a 35% reduced risk of getting breast cancer in women who are regularly active. Physical activity also increases survival rate in women diagnosed with breast cancer. The Harvard Nurses’ Health Study shows walking three to five hours each week to decrease risk of death 50 percent. Physical activity has also been linked to reduced risk for colon and rectal cancers.

2. Increase your life span

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What is high blood pressure?

high blood pressureBlood pressure measures the force pushing against your artery walls when your heart beats and when it rests. The systolic pressure (top number) measures the pressure against your artery walls when your heart beats (contracts) and pushes blood throughout circulation. The diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the pressure against your artery walls when your heart relaxes (in between beats). High blood pressure is diagnosed when the pressure against artery walls is higher than normal. Another term for high blood pressure is hypertension.

4 Blood Pressure Categories

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Top Weight Loss Tips (cont.)

Here are two more top weight loss tips to add to your arsenal:

Keep a food journal.

Whether you are trying to lose weight, lower cholesterol, or control high blood pressure a healthy diet is essential. People who keep food journals have a much higher success rate than those who do not.

Increase your activity during everyday life.
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