The waist-to-height ratio is used to measure body fat distribution. A higher ratio is related to increased risk of heart disease due to abdominal obesity.
Waist-to-height ratio and BMI are both popular screening tools for health risks connected to obesity. These methods are quick and cost efficient to use.
Researchers presenting a study with more than 2900 individuals at the 2015 European Congress on Obesity determined waist-to-height ratio measurements to be more accurate and more efficient for identifying heart disease risk when compared to using BMI alone.
When using BMI measurements, 41% of men and 29% of women in the study were classified as “normal”, but had waist-to-height ratios above normal. Researchers determine this would equal 12% of the population being misclassified as normal if only BMI measurements were utilized to assess risk.
This Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is recommend to manage high blood pressure. This diet is rich in fruits and vegetables. You need to consume between three to five servings of vegetables daily and between four to five fruits daily. That likely sounds overwhelming, but it can be effective in your efforts to lower blood pressure.
One vegetables serving is equal to 1 cup raw leafy green vegetable, ½ cup cut-up raw or cooked vegetables, or ½ cup vegetable juice.
One fruit serving is equal to 1 medium fruit, ¼ cup dried fruit, ½ cup fresh, frozen, or canned fruit, or ½ cup 100% fruit juice.
It’s the perfect time of year to adopt the DASH diet if you are struggling with high blood pressure. Many varieties of produce are in season and farmers markets are readily available.
3 Benefits of Shopping at Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are environmentally friendly. The food is produced and sold locally, while food in grocery stores travels an average of 1500 miles before it reaches your plate.
Produce grown for farmers markets is typically allowed to fully ripen naturally before it is harvested. Nothing is used to speed up the ripening process.
The produce purchased at a farmers market comes straight from the garden. No processing. This equals fresh and nutrient rich food.
Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets
Shopping at a farmers market is not the same as going to the grocery store. Continue reading →
Research indicates high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Regular physical activity can reduce this risk. Being physically fit reduces arterial build-up by lowering LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol. It also lowers other risk factors for atherosclerosis and blood clots, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and stress.
Individuals who move to poorer neighborhoods tend to gain weight. This statement is based off a study published in theAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Their have not been very many studies reviewing data from the same individuals over a period of time to evaluate the connection between environment and obesity, which is why researchers for this latest study wanted to examine the long term impact of moving to a poorer neighborhood on weight gain in connection to cardiovascular risk.
A group of 3000 Dallas County, TX residents with ages ranging between 18-65 years-old were followed for 7 years. Data was collected at the start of the study and at a 7-year follow-up. The data collected included self-reported medical histories, demographics, self-reported physical activity, and height, weight, and waist circumference measurements. Continue reading →
This is a guest post provided by Jessica Kane. Kane is a professional blogger who is trying to be healthier this year. She currently writes for AEDs Today, a leading supplier of automatic external defibrillators.
Smartphones make it easier than ever to reach your personal fitness goals. However, with the abundance of health apps on the market, it can be difficult to wade through the clutter to find the right ones for you. Here are five apps worth your consideration whether you’re an avid exerciser or just a casual calorie burner looking to get started on the path to a healthier life.
1. Zombies, Run! 3 ($3.99, iOS & Android)
Want to turn your workout into a video game? With Zombies, Run! 3, you can do just that. It doesn’t matter if you run outdoors or on a treadmill, this app will have you thinking you’re actually running from hordes of zombies as you complete missions and collect supplies. Best of all, the game will work for you no matter what speed you choose to run. You’ll do more than lose fat. You’ll become the hero of your own action story.
2. C25K (Free, iOS & Android)
C25K takes a more traditional training approach for those new to running. Based on the wildly popular Couch-to-5K Running Plan, this app will slowly build your endurance through a combination of walking and running. By the end of the program, you’ll be able to complete the entire distance of a 5K race (3.1 miles). This app is also backed by a community of dedicated users who support one another through the entire process.
3. Figwee Portion Explorer ($1.99, iOS)
Dieting can be difficult when you’re always on the go. If you’re unable to count calories, it’s easy to become discouraged and fall off the bandwagon. With Figwee Portion Explorer, that won’t be a problem for you any longer. With this app, you’ll be able to estimate the nutritional content of your meal by comparing it to pictures on your screen. The user interface is also very clean and easy to use.
4. Gym Goal 2 ($5.99, iOS)
Although Gym Goal 2 is the most expensive app on this list, it’s the one you’ll want if you’re serious about strength training. Choose from one of the training programs already included with the app or build one to meet your specifications. There are countless ways to customize this app to make it your own. You can also use the app to track your body measurements, like body mass index, body fat and weight.
5. Lose It!(Free, iOS & Android)
Lose It! is the most simple, straightforward calorie counting app on the market. Set a goal, record your meals and lose weight in a manageable and sustainable way. This app also syncs with popular devices, like FitBit activity trackers, to make reaching your ideal weight even easier. You’ll also have access to a large online community of users where you can join challenges, get the support you need and have fun as you work toward a healthier you.
There is a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) consisting of recognized experts in nutrition and public health. This committee reviews the latest research and provides the USDA and HHS Secretaries with evidence-based recommendations.
On February 19, 2015, the DGAC released its recommendations — the Advisory Report.
In the report, the DGAC stated cholesterol is not a nutrient of concern for over consumption.
This would mean eliminating the 2010 guideline recommending cholesterol intake be limited to 300 mg per day or less. The average American cholesterol intake is 340 mg daily.
This recommendation is consistent with new guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, but has still caused significant debate on the impact if dietary cholesterol guidelines are removed.
The waist-to-height ratio is used to measure body fat distribution. A higher ratio is related to increased risk of heart disease due to abdominal obesity.
According to a study published in the
Individuals who move to poorer neighborhoods tend to gain weight. This statement is based off a study published in the
This is a guest post provided by Jessica Kane. Kane is a professional blogger who is trying to be healthier this year. She currently writes for 
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated every five years by the 
