Prevention is Essential! | Strive 2 Survive

I read an interesting article today that I couldn’t resist sharing with you. According to the American Heart Association, the cost of heart disease last year was $450 billion. A recent article published on MedlinePlus discussed how prevention programs such as our STRIVE 2 Survive wellness program and our nutrition services we provide at the clinic are a wise long-term investment in the national health and economy.

Authors in a the AHA statement calculated that for ever $1 spend on the construction of bike and walking paths, medical costs would be reduced by $3.

In addition, the nationwide push to reduce salt in our food supply would help save $26 billion in health care costs each year by helping Americans stay within the recommended sodium guidelines (1500 mg/day).

Our society has gotten into the habit of turning to a medicine to help improve their condition, however the key is really in our own hands and mind by making lifestyle changes to improve our health and well-being.

Adapting to a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular activity can reduce risk of disease, aid in longevity, and save you some money in your wallet!

You can view the full article at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_114694.html

-Kelsey

2 Comments

Carleen Mack on August 2, 2011 at 9:09 am

Thanks for the update on the recommend sodium guidelines. At the State Legion Tournament I was noticing that the diet raspberry white tea drink I had seemed very high in sodium (the only number listed as everything else was zero calories etc) and I couldn’t remember what the amount of sodium recommended per day was. I really haven’t kept track of that number as a daily total before but will need to start watching that closer. Thanks again!

kelsey on August 2, 2011 at 9:17 am

Sodium often gets overlooked as we tend to focus on calories, carbs, fats, etc, but it is also important to watch…especially if you have heart disease or a family history of heart disease! Thanks for the comments and interest Carleen!

Carleen Mack on August 2, 2011 at 9:09 am

Thanks for the update on the recommend sodium guidelines. At the State Legion Tournament I was noticing that the diet raspberry white tea drink I had seemed very high in sodium (the only number listed as everything else was zero calories etc) and I couldn’t remember what the amount of sodium recommended per day was. I really haven’t kept track of that number as a daily total before but will need to start watching that closer. Thanks again!
kelsey on August 2, 2011 at 9:17 am

Sodium often gets overlooked as we tend to focus on calories, carbs, fats, etc, but it is also important to watch…especially if you have heart disease or a family history of heart disease! Thanks for the comments and interest Carleen!