Changing how we live has been shown to be a much more powerful intervention for preventing heart disease than any medication. The “EPIC” study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine documented adherence to 4 simple behaviors (not smoking, exercising 3.5 hours a week, eating a healthy diet [fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and limited amounts of meat], and maintaining a healthy weight [BMI <30]).>Lancet, found that changing lifestyle could prevent at least 90% of all heart disease.

 Lifestyle intervention for many chronic diseases is more effective than medical intervention. So why is it so difficult for so many to be more physically active, to  eat healthfully, and stop smoking? It takes effort, energy, mindfulness, planning, and intention and can appear overwhelming.

Begin with small changes (a 30 minute walk 3-4 times per week), eating on a small plate and planning 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  It’s never too late to start making healthy choices!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/lower-your-risk-of-heart_b_300292.html