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Capital Region Medical Center
People
are living longer, thanks to
high-tech advancements in medicine.
Antibiotics, blood pressure medications
and cholesterol-lowering medications
add years to our lives. Surgeries, from
removing the appendix and gallbladder
to heart and kidney transplants, extend
our lives too. The achievements of
modern medicine are truly incredible.
What is more incredible, in my opinion,
is that four low-tech lifestyle interventions
have been proven to provide even greater
health benefits than modern medications
and surgeries!
What are these amazing, health-promoting lifestyle
interventions?
1
Stop smoking.
2
Eat vegetables and fruit every day.
3
Move every day.
4
Maintain a healthy weight.
How amazing are these interventions? Very!
According to recent research, if you follow these four
lifestyle recommendations, they can reduce your risk
of the following illnesses by astonishing amounts:
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Diabetes—by 93 percent.
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Heart attacks—by 81 percent.
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Strokes—by 50 percent.
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Cancer—by 36 percent.
Quitting smoking
is not easy, but it is
worth it! Smoking is the single largest cause
of preventable disease in the world. Not
only does smoking affect the smoker, secondhand
smoke affects the health of family, friends and
NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE
The keys to
optimal health
co-workers. Quitting starts with the simple act of
thinking why you may want to quit, such as financial
concerns and, for many, a desire to be healthier—
to more fully participate in the lives of loved ones.
Once a meaningful reason is decided upon, there are
resources and tips that can help you succeed. These
include the following:
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Talk with your health care provider about options
to support smoking cessation.
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1-800-Quit-Now
(
1-800-784-8669
).
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Try nicotine replacement patches and gum.
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Ask about auriculotherapy treatments.
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Take medications as your provider recommends.
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Try acupuncture.
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Commit by informing friends and family of your
intentions.
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Plan the quit date!
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Remember: Not everyone is successful in their first
attempt at smoking cessation—the key is to have
determination and persistence!
Reduce
risk of
diabetes
by
93%
Reduce
risk of
heart attacks
by
81%
Chris Link, MD, Capital
Region Physicians–
Integrative Medicine