Heart disease remains the number one killer in the United States for both men and women. February is a great month to encourage your clients to renew their commitment to heart-healthy habits. February’s focus on heart health is near and dear to me. My dear father had heart disease from the time I was 3 […]
The blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg had been ingrained in our minds as the hallmark of hypertension. However, an update to the guideline has now reexamined this number in addition to taking a closer look at the prevention, detection, and evaluation of hypertension. Researchers developed the new guideline based on data and studies […]
It might surprise you to learn that one in five children has high total cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high LDL cholesterol. Approximately 7.8% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have total cholesterol levels ≥200 mg/dL. Unfortunately, high cholesterol is a concern for children as well as adults. September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a […]
During the nearly seven years I worked on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Sodium Reduction Initiative, I heard time and time again: “I never add salt to my food, so I don’t have to worry about sodium intake.” Interestingly, people would tell me this even after mentioning they knew most of their […]
At age 88, Richard was hospitalized postmyocardial infarction (MI) for stent placement and management of heart failure. Other than hypertension, he’d been healthy, eating a regular diet, and either walking or using a stationary bike daily. Following the MI, his cardiologist restricted his physical activity and ordered a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with no more than […]
Changes are coming on many fronts in cardiac rehab programs across the country. Those changes hold potential for improving nutrition care for patients and expanding job opportunities for RDs. I recently returned from the annual meeting of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), the fifth year in a row I’ve spoken to […]
