Preventing Heart Disease

It’s time for Boomers to rethink what’s important. You can’t do things if you haven’t got your health! Losing a few pounds or more could make an important difference in preventing or reducing your risk and the effects of Heart Disease.

Going on holiday, fishing, doing things with the children or grandchildren, or even continuing to work may be hampered by having a serious heart condition. It’s time to rethink your game plan and good heart health should be at the top of the list. When we let things go too far. it’s like tuning the car, a regular service prevents a whole lot of costly repairs later, and preserves the integrity of the original internal mechanisms, while keeping it running smoothly.

We have independently chosen to review information and literature available from the Heart Foundation of Australia and Government websites and provide a summary of this as a starting point for people to consider.

What is a ‘Healthy Weight’?

Everyone is different. We come in all shapes and sizes and what might be a healthy weight for one person isn't necessarily healthy for another. However, carrying too much body  fat can increase your risk of health problems. These include: high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, gall bladder disease, joint problems (e.g. gout, arthritis and joint pain), sleep problems (e.g. sleep apnea), and certain types of cancer. Your risk of developing these health conditions depends not just on your weight, but also on other risk factors that you may have.

The following link provides more information on this topic:

Is my weight a health risk?

Some people think they are overweight when they aren't; others think their weight is fine, when it isn't. While you can generally tell if you've put on weight by your clothes being tighter or having to loosen your belt a notch or two, this won't tell you if you are overweight. The best way to find out if your weight is a health risk is to check with your Doctor.

If you are already overweight, it is important to try and stop gaining more weight. This will help to reduce your level of risk. If you can manage to lose some of the extra kilos then that will be even better for your health. However, even if you don't manage to lose any weight, what's important is being physically active, eating healthily and looking after yourself so that you can achieve the best health. Your health can be affected by how much you weigh as well as your body shape. Men often carry excess weight around their middle, while women often carry excess weight on thier hips and thighs.

Carrying excess weight around your middle (being 'apple shaped ) is more of a health risk than if your excess weight is on your hips and thighs (being 'pear shaped' ). The so-called 'pear shape' is actually a healthier body shape than being 'apple shaped .

Key points for healthy weight loss:

• Healthy weight loss takes time - so give yourself time.

• Changes need to be for the long term - make changes to your eating patterns and physical activity levels that you can live with for the rest of your life.

• It's about you - make changes that suit you, not what suits someone else.

• Take small steps - don't try and do everything at once.

• Don't be put off by slow progress. You may lose weight one week, then go for a few weeks without losing any.

• Losing weight the healthy way is not about short-term diets or running marathons - healthy eating and regular physical activity are what count. Reducing the amount of time you spend sitting will also help.

• Forget the scales - your weight can go up and down from day to day. If you want to weigh yourself, try not to do it more than once a week.

• Measure your achievements in other ways rather than by how much you weigh. For example, whether your clothes are looser, whether you've cut down on the amount of TV you watch and whether you can do things without getting tired.

• Small amounts of weight loss, or stopping weight gain, will have a big impact on your overall health.

• Forget fad/crash diets - they may give results in the short term, but they generally don't help you keep weight off in the longer term. Some may even be harmful to your health.

• Seek advice and guidance - speak with your doctor, Accredited Practising Dietician or a physical activity health professional about your weight. 

Remember, by taking steps now towards better health you can add years to your life and enjoy those things you have always thought of doing if only you had the time and GOOD HEALTH. If you've been thinking this won't happen to you, go to the link below from the Australian Bureau of Statistices for some sobering facts;

http://www8.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/ABS@.NSF/Latestproducts/5317

Activities you can get involved in

You can get involved in a wide range of activities to raise awareness about heart disease and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Why not join  in a fun run. The Bridge to Brisbane fun run is an annual event attracting up to 40,000 Queenslanders going from the Gateway Bridge to the Ekka Show grounds. The event is on the 30  August 2009. Get more information on this event and others for every State and Territory can be found at:

http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Get_Involved/Whats_On

Kokoda Trail

Ever thought of going on the Kokoda Trail? The Heart Foundation website has details on an annual pilgimige and there is a commercial site with other tours.

http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Kokodatrail2009

http://www.kokodatreks.com/

 

Link for this review

Follow this link to the Heart Foundation for more information and details on the source of this review.

http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Healthy_Living/Pages/

For more information on this site about Heart Disease go to High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet

To get involved in a new Sport or Activity go to our Fact Sheets on the Recreation page

We hope this article has been of interest to you. Please feel free to print a friendly copy, email to a friend or relative, or download the PDF article for your reference.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual medical or professional advice.

Please see your Doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health or seek professional advice as required.