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Americans Risk Heart Health

Posted on: Tuesday, 3 May 2005, 12:00 CDT

LAKELAND, Fla., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Knowledge doesn't equal action when it comes to American health habits according to a recent survey. Almost all respondents (99 percent) know that eating and drinking healthy foods and beverages, as well as exercising, are important to heart health. But, surprisingly, a large portion doesn't follow these practices.

The survey of 1,000 adults, conducted by KRC Research on behalf of the Florida Department of Citrus, showed that although Americans are aware of the positive effects of heart-healthy habits, only half (51 percent) make an effort to consume healthy foods and beverages everyday and only a quarter (25 percent) exercise daily. The consequences are evident -- approximately 13 million Americans suffer from some form of heart disease, as reported by the American Heart Association.

While most (90 percent) claim to know the importance of nutrition in maintaining heart health, a majority are unaware of many specifics. For instance, nearly three in five Americans (59 percent) are not aware that increasing folate and magnesium intake may help reduce the risk for heart disease, and more than half (53 percent) are not even familiar with antioxidants.

In addition to nutrition, virtually all respondents believe daily activities such as reducing stress (97 percent), getting a good night's sleep (97 percent), and exercising (99 percent) are important to heart health. However, they are not acting on that knowledge. Just one out of three people (32 percent) takes steps to reduce stress, over one half (56 percent) are not getting a good night's sleep each night, and only a quarter (25 percent) are exercising daily.

"Improving heart health does not need to be a complicated or labor- intensive process. Taking small, simple steps each day can improve or maintain heart health," said Michael Roizen M.D., author of the RealAge(R) book series and the new book, "YOU, The Owner's Manual" (release date: May 3, 2005). "Americans need to realize that dedicating just a few minutes each day to heart-health rituals could help save their lives."

According to the survey, nearly nine out of 10 people say they would be likely to incorporate small, simple steps to improve their heart health if they were advised as to what these steps are. In an effort to aid Americans in doing this, Dr. Roizen has outlined five "HeartRites" to be done every day to improve heart health.

Healthy HeartRites

1. Breathe

Finding small ways to reduce stress each day may help improve the

health of the heart. In his book, "YOU, The Owner's Manual," Dr.

Roizen advises, "Powerful negative emotions are bad for your heart.

... These emotions can cause high blood pressure." Deep breathing

exercises, daydreaming about an upcoming vacation, stretching for five

minutes each morning or taking time to have lunch with a friend can all

reduce stress levels and may improve heart health.

2. Move

Taking the stairs, parking at the back of the parking lot and walking

the dog are just some of the many small activities that can be added to

an existing daily routine to improve cardiovascular health. Dr. Roizen

states in "YOU, The Owner's Manual,""Any amount of physical activity

lowers ... blood pressure -- even walking just a few minutes a day."

3. Drink Orange Juice

According to Dr. Roizen, low blood pressure is the most important way

to prevent heart disease; foods and beverages high in potassium aid in

controlling blood pressure. Dr. Roizen suggests including two glasses

(16 ounces) of 100 percent orange juice each day to fulfill the

800 milligrams daily potassium deficit the average American suffers

from. Eight ounces of 100 percent Florida Orange Juice contains

450 milligrams of potassium.

4. Floss

Recent studies show a correlation between gum disease and heart

disease. People showing the presence of the bacteria that causes gum

disease also show thickening of the carotid arteries. Flossing every

day will help prevent gum disease and in turn can lower the risk of

heart disease.

5. Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important to a healthy heart. Studies show

that sleep deprivation or too much sleep can increase your risk of

heart disease by more than 35 percent. Ensuring six and a half to

eight hours of sleep as part of a daily routine may help make a heart

significantly healthier.

"Incorporating these five rituals into your routine is a step toward improved heart health each day," states Dr. Roizen. To learn more about heart health and Dr. Roizen's daily "HeartRites," visit http://www.floridajuice.com/HeartHealth .

The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs approximately 90,000 people, provides a $9 billion annual economic impact to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida's schools, roads and health care services.

For more information, contact:

Sarah Ann Kaminsky

312.729.4285

skaminsky@golinharris.com

Andrew Meadows

863.499.2516

ameadows@citrus.state.fl.us

Florida Department of Citrus

CONTACT: Sarah Ann Kaminsky, +1-312-729-4285,skaminsky@golinharris.com , or Andrew Meadows, +1-863-499-2516,ameadows@citrus.state.fl.us , both for Florida Department of Citrus

Web site: http://www.floridajuice.com/HeartHealth

Source: PRNewswire

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