SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012
HEALTH MATTERS 2012
THE ITEM
F1
Surgical Care Illness & Injury
Pain Management
Diagnostic Imaging
matters Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Urgent Care
Special Section to
Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
A healthy diet, along with physical activity, plays a very important role toward reducing the risk of heart disease. Any healthy diet should be low in fat and include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. For those at risk for a heart condition or for those recovering from a heart attack, stroke or heart surgery, the cardiac diet is recommended. The cardiac diet is low in sodium, fat and cholesterol. Sodium is a mineral that is needed in the body. However, when consumed in excess it can cause fluid to build up in the body, causing the blood pressure to rise. The best way to avoid consuming too much sodium is to avoid table salt and to eat as fresh as possible. Use herbs, spices, lemon juice and other sodium-free seasonings when cooking and avoid processed foods with added sodium such as canned soup and frozen meals. A tip for low sodium shopping is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store. This is where the fresh foods are located. Most processed, prepackaged foods are found in the aisles.
It also is important to know the difference between bad fats and good fats when starting a heart healthy diet. Saturated fats and trans fats are known as bad fats because they have a negative effect on cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and are most often found in animal products. Most foods that are high in cholesterol, such as fatty meats, whole milk and butter, are also high in saturated fats. Therefore, cholesterol can be reduced in the diet simply by reducing the fat. Trans fats can be found in foods such as store-bought baked goods and many deep fried foods. If a food contains partially hydrogenated oils, which can be found in the ingredient list of the food label, it contains trans fat. To optimize heart health, these bad fats should be replaced in the diet by good fats. These good fats that can help lower cholesterol are called monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They are liquid at room temperature and can be found in most plant oils, such as olive and
BY CAROLINE D. THOMPSON, RD, LD
canola oil, nuts, seeds, avocado and oily fish, such as salmon, herring and trout. Attempting to follow the recommendations of the cardiac diet can often be a challenge. It is important to start off slow and make small changes to avoid burnout. Every change is a step in the right direction! Remember
Clinical Dietitian, Clarendon Health System that making the diet more heart healthy not only improves health, but is a reminder of how food is meant to taste in its natural state. Also, remember to eat a variety of foods and try a variety of cooking methods to prevent boredom. It is possible to eat healthy and delicious food!
Clarendon Health System’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program includes a nutrition class on the cardiac diet. For further information on the cardiac diet visit the American Heart Association at www. heart.org or contact Caroline Thompson, clinical dietitian at Clarendon Health System at 803-435-3176.
RELIABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 418 Broad St. • Sumter, SC • 934-9212 WE HAVE A CERTIFIED PROSTHETIST / ORTHOTIST ON STAFF VOTED #1 PROSTHETICS COMPANY 5 YEARS IN A ROW!
ARTIFICIAL LIMBS & BRACING
DIABETIC SHOES We have a certified Diabetic shoe fitter on staff.
MANY STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM!!