Do We Need More Proof to Stay Healthy?

Two recent long term studies once again show convincing proof that healthy habits prevent cardiovascular disease.

In the first, researchers followed over 80,000 women for over 20 years. They discovered that assessed six healthy lifestyle habits (i.e., not smoking, ≥2.5 hours weekly physical activity, healthy diet, normal body-mass index, average ≤1 alcoholic drinks daily, and ≤7 hours weekly television watching) resulted in an astounding 92% reduction in heart disease over the 20 year period!

In another study, the relatively low socioeconomic Franklin County, Maine, began a comprehensive effort to lower cardiovascular risk in 1970. The community-led program, which resulted in over 150,000 patient encounters, sought to help residents lower elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, quit smoking, improve their diets, and increase their physical activity.

When compared with other Maine counties, Franklin County had a lower-than-expected, income-adjusted total mortality rate after the program started. There was a similar drop in hospitalization rates, resulting in a reduction of $5.4 million in hospital charges annually.

These costs alone would justify such a program nationally; although there would probably be wide resistance from the for-profit hospital lobby!