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Healthy Living
All physical and mental activity depends on a beating heart and a healthy circulation. If an artery to the brain becomes blocked, brain cells die and a stroke occurs. If an artery to the heart is blocked, a heart attack occurs.
Fortunately there is much known about keeping the heart in good health and preventing early heart attacks or strokes. The healthy Living section can help you establish a heart-healthy lifestyle.
While changes to diet and exercise should be the first treatment option if you have unhealthy cholesterol and triglycerides levels, not everyone will be able to reach healthy levels without medication. If diet and exercise aren't enough to get your levels to goal, there are various medicines that treat different types of lipids. Medications that are effective against the "bad" cholesterol may not improve the "good" cholesterol or lower triglycerides, the "forgotten fat," so ask your doctor about all the different treatment options. There isn't one single medication that is right for everyone, so ask your doctor about prescription medications that will work for you.
If you have diabetes, it is very important to follow your doctor's guidance and bring it under good control. This includes taking any prescribed medicine as directed and seeing your doctor regularly for follow-up care.
The following lifestyle factors can help prevent and control diabetes.
- Eating well-balanced meals, low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in dietary fiber (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes), and low in refined foods (limit soft drinks like cola etc., white bread, snack foods, and sweets).
- Not smoking.
- Regular physical activity such as walking or cycling for 30 or more minutes daily.
- Limiting fatty foods, especially animal and solid fats. Use vegetable oils instead.
- Maintain a lean, healthy weight.
- Live a balanced life and avoid excessive stress.
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