OTHER INFORMATION
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IMPROVING YOUR LIFESTYLE
Can coronary thrombosis be prevented by modifying your lifestyle?
Unfortunately, the only lifestyle change that we can be absolutely
sure about is that from smoker to non-smoker. Advice about
other lifestyle factors and diet cannot be based on the strict
scientific
evidence, in the way that benefits of drugs are shown – the
double-blind cross-over clinical trial. The advice is based
on comparison of populations, epidemiology and experimental
data.
1. DO NOT SMOKE
This is the adverse lifestyle for which the
most compelling evidence exists of every type.
2. TAKE EXERCISE
The evidence suggests that this should
be moderate sustained exercise, not long distance athletic
training which
causes enlargement of the heart, and not very intense exercise
such as
playing squash which can put a sudden strain on the heart
which it cannot bear. The exercise needs to be maintained permanently
and therefore should take the form of that most pleasurable
to the individual, in order to maintain motivation. For
instance,
if jogging or gym work bores you, try taking up golf, bicycling
or swimming. At the very least walk a few miles every day.
When
exercising, take the family with you (children also need
exercise).
3.
EAT HEALTHILY
Eat a natural balanced diet and avoid prepared, preserved
and frozen food. The diet must contain fresh fruit and vegetables,
and not contain much sugar and other carbohydrates. Cut
down the
amount eaten so that you do not become overweight. Garlic
is beneficial. Fat should be consumed if possible as fish oil and
olive oil. Many vegetable oils are not recommended. Some animal fats are beneficial, e.g., seal blubber, goose fat, dairy fats. Milk and eggs should not be avoided. Avoid
excessive amounts of meat protein. Moderate alcohol intake (not
more
than half a bottle of wine a day) is beneficial.
4. VITAMINS
All vitamins should be available in the kind
of healthy diet described above. However there is some evidence
that supplements
of vitamins C, E, B6 and folic
acid may be beneficial – at
least they do no harm.
5. STRESS
Avoid, if possible excessive stress. Most stress
is caused by either employment problems, illness or incompatibilities
with partners. If rows or suppressed rage become frequent,
it
may be wise to change these factors, seeking professional
advice for
that purpose.
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