It’s not rocket science

Researchers certainly have a knack for spending money to turn common sense into scientific revelations. Such is the case with two studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that led researchers to claim, "A healthy lifestyle is associated with reduced risk of both hypertension and heart failure." Gee, no kidding?

One study examined the risk for heart failure in over 20,000 male physicians followed for over 20 years. The more the men practiced these six healthy lifestyle habits, the less likely they were to develop heart failure.

• Maintaining a normal weight
• Not smoking
• Exercising regularly
• Drinking only in moderation
• Eating whole grains
• Eating fruits and vegetables.

Similarly, a study following 84,000 female nurses for 14 years revealed that greater adherence to a number of lifestyle habits was associated with a lower incidence of high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is more frequent in women who:

• Maintain a body mass index (BMI) under 25
• Get regular exercise
• Eat whole grains, lean meats, beans, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy (DASH diet)
• Drink only in moderation
• Do not rely on over-the-counter pain relievers
• Take folic acid supplements

Twenty years ago, when U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop made the claim that 75% of all disease is directly related to diet and lifestyle choices.

As legislators now debate over who is going to pay for health care, the conversation should begin far, far away from the doctor’s office.

Choose well – be well.
Barb Jarmoska