Healthy Heart Program Updates
In this Issue
The first half of the first month in 2007 has already slipped away, but we hope your plans for the year are off to a good start.
We will no doubt see more laws passed this year aimed at reducing heart disease risk by limiting smoking and changing the kinds of fat used by restaurants. A key question to ask is, "Should we pass legislation outlawing trans fat?" It is highly possible that we will see more food companies ban trans fat and other cities may pass legislation to remove trans fats from restaurants following the lead of New York City. The latest guidelines from AHA suggest that slashing trans fat to less than 1% of calories would cut 2 grams a day of trans fat, but most Americans eat at least three times that amount. A fast food meal can easily reach five times the limit.
Recent research suggests that smoking bans which are expanding each month offer significant protection for the heart. As we reported in last month's issue of HHB, a recent smoking ban in Pueblo, Colorado, showed a 27% reduction in hospital admissions. Furthermore, the study [http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3042314]] found the smoking law appeared to have prevented 100 heart attacks in 18 months. However, we must consider that when one person smokes, others in the same place are exposed to second-hand smoke. On the other hand, if one person eats trans fat, others in the same place are not affected; and what is substituted may be saturated fat, which is just as bad for the heart! Taking personal responsibility to read the label becomes very important. Time will tell which side of the fence others will choose regarding trans fat legislation. Policy changes are effective environmental avenues and this year we need to monitor the trends. Stay tuned and we'll try to keep you up to date.
News on another important front for heart disease risk reduction is fostering active living. Physical activities, along with good nutrition, are important life style changes we can suggest, personally adopt, and foster in 2007. These are often seen as New Year's resolutions! On October 26, 2006, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt announced that HHS will develop comprehensive guidelines drawn from science to help Americans fit physical activity into their lives. The Physical Activity Guidelines will summarize the latest knowledge about activity and health and target specific population subgroups, such as seniors and children. However, these are not planned to be issued until 2008. We do not have to wait for these guidelines to be released to advocate for active living! The Dietary Guidelines and AHA have clear directions for activity and we all know of the benefits for one's heart.
Enjoy this issue and best wishes for a healthy 2007. And remember Heart Month is February, and plan for Nutrition Month in March-a great time to teach about eating for a healthy heart.
Jennifer Anderson, Ph.D., R.D.
Food and Nutrition Extension Specialist
Shirley Perryman, M.S., R.D.
Extension Specialist
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Updated Tuesday, September 25, 2007.
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