Happy New Year!

Now is the time we reflect on the year that was and give thanks for all of the good things that happened. It is also the time that some of us look back on what may not have been such a good one and say 'good riddance!'

For many of us, perfect health is what is expected and what we're used to and when something goes wrong it can be traumatizing physically, and mentally. But what often starts as misfortune can be viewed as a life-changing event for the better. We meet many of our patients when they are feeling their worst but months later, they are healthier than they have ever been before. And sometimes they are doing activities that they have never thought about doing. They have introduced exercise and healthy eating into their lives, and more importantly, the lives of their children, or spouses, or parents even.

So, whether you are grateful for a wonderful year that was, or relieved to be done with a bad year that should not have been, it is time to start anew!

Make some realistic resolutions and we wish you a Happy and Healthy 2011!

CCNM

Eating Healthier in 2011

So many times, patients come to us with borderline blood pressure and/or cholesterol readings and prefer, rightfully so, to try diet and exercise as their first line intervention before starting a medication. Indeed, in the majority of cases this is guideline-supported and appropriate but how exactly should you eat to effect the most change in your cholesterol and triglycerides?

The government can be your friend and Dietary Guidelines are jointly issued and updated every 5 years by the Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). They provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.

For high blood pressure, they have formulated the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan which can be found here:

http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/toolkit/DASH/default.htm

Click the link below for the PDF

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf
If you are confused by the food label, this is an excellent resource below:

http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/toolkit/Worksheets/foodlabel.htm

Finally, here is a list of online resources for lal of your dietary questions:

http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/toolkit/Worksheets/Websites.htm

Let's make 2011 and healthier and thinner New Year!