by NutriSoya
The NutriSoya Heart Health Poll finds many are aware of the risks of heart disease but do not take the necessary steps to prevent cardiovascular distress.
AMERICANS NOT STEPPING UP TO FIGHT HEART DISEASE
Survey Finds Lack of Heart-Healthy Living Despite The Risks CHICAGO -December 7, 2001 – It’s no secret that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States, affecting more than 60 million Americans. However, a recent survey found that although the overwhelming majority of Americans (99 percent) view heart health as important, with more than half personally knowing someone who has died from the disease, an alarming 46 percent do not work on a daily basis to maintain or improve their own heart health.
The NutriSoyâ Heart Health Poll, a nationwide survey of 1,011 adult men and women, set out to discover American views on heart disease and the roles both exercise and diet play in improving heart health. The survey, conducted in August by the makers of NutriSoy soy protein, confirmed a large-scale awareness of heart disease, yet uncovered that many don’t take the necessary steps to prevent the disease. And, when people do think of heart health, they tend to focus on a diet more than exercise, with 73 percent using the common “not enough time” and “too tired” excuses for skipping a workout.
Kathy Smith, one of the nation’s top experts in health and fitness, is concerned about the lack of effort in improving heart health and is committed to showing Americans the importance of both diet and exercise in the prevention of heart disease. Because of her commitment, Smith has teamed up with NutriSoy soy protein to provide quick and simple ways for people to become more heart-healthy.
“Even the most packed schedule has room for simple diet, exercise and lifestyle changes,” says Smith. “Besides improving heart health, there are many benefits to a healthier lifestyle, including more energy, weight control, reduced stress, anxiety, and fatigue as well as the decreased risk of other health problems such as diabetes.”
Smith’s easy fitness and nutrition tips are now featured in a new resource, “NutriSoy Soy Protein and Kathy Smith’s Guide to Heart Health.” The free brochure also includes Smith’s advice on how to start exercising several times each week.
Walk Your Way to Improved Heart Health
“It’s important for people to throw their excuses out the window and start moving,” says Smith. “People don’t know how easy it is to incorporate heart-pumping exercise into everyday life.” According to the American Heart Association, the risk of heart attack and stroke can be significantly reduced by fitting in 30 minutes of daily physical activity, such as walking, three to four times each week. For those fairly new to exercise, Smith recommends walking as a simple, convenient exercise that requires no learning and is easy on bones and joints. In the “Guide to Heart Health” brochure, Smith provides several tips to best prepare for walking, from finding a regular time for walking to selecting comfortable walking shoes with a low, rounded heel, flexible forefoot and adequate cushioning. Of course, as with any new exercise program, it’s always best to check with a doctor before getting started.
NutriSoy Soy Protein Helps Build a Strong Beat
The other half of the heart-health equation is diet, as research has shown for years the importance of diet in heart health. More recent research has also shown that a diet that includes soy protein can also have real heart health benefits. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration approved the health claim that a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol that includes 25 grams of soy protein per day may reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the American Heart Association Dietary Guidelines recognize soy protein used within a diet low in total and saturated fat may help to reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s now easier than ever to include heart-healthy soy foods in the diet. For instance, NutriSoy soy protein is a heart-healthy ingredient now being added to pasta, pretzels, smoothies and protein bars. In order to include a significant amount of heart-healthy soy protein in their diets, people can simply look for tasty products featuring the NutriSoy logo on their packaging.
NutriSoy and the American Heart Association Take Steps to Fight Heart Disease
NutriSoy soy protein is dedicated to helping raise funds to support lifesaving research while educating others about the benefits of exercise and healthy eating for heart disease and stroke prevention. For the second year, NutriSoy soy protein is a national presenting sponsor of the American Heart Walk, which is currently taking place in more than 775 cities nationwide. The American Heart Walk calendar continues through May 2002. This year, more than 600,000 people across the country are expected to join the American Heart Walk by either walking or donating to fight the battle against heart disease and stroke. For more information on an American Heart Walk near you, log onto the American Heart Association Web site at americanheart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Free “Guide to Heart Health” Brochure
The free brochure “NutriSoy Soy Protein and Kathy Smith’s Guide to Heart Health” is packed with simple steps people can take to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. To order this free brochure, call 1-866-NUTRISOY and for more exercise and dietary tips from Kathy Smith, visit kathysmith.com.
Archer Daniels Midland Company, the maker of NutriSoy soy protein, is the link between the farmer and the food manufacturer. ADM provides farmers a market for their crops, and, in turn, supplies feed ingredients for their animals. ADM unlocks the value of corn, wheat, soybeans, and other grains, while its continued development of new products and processes increases the demand for agricultural crops. ADM is engaged in the business of procuring, transporting, processing and merchandising agricultural commodities and products. It is one of the world’s largest processors of oilseeds, corn, and wheat, with over 23,000 employees worldwide, 368 processing plants and net sales of more than $20 billion. NutriSoy is a registered trademark of Archer Daniels Midland Company.