By for Summit Medical Group

By Joy Pierce Mathews for Summit Medical Group
 

A recent US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study shows there are 4 things you can do to help prevent certain diseases and live longer — not smoking, eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated fat and cholesterol, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, and exercising regularly.

The CDC study included a total of 16,958 adults aged 17 years or older who participated in the 1998 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III Mortality Survey. Data showed that participants who practiced all 4 healthy behaviors were 66% less likely to die early from cancer, 65% less likely to die early from major cardiovascular disease, and 57% less likely to die early from other causes compared with participants who smoked, were inactive, did not follow a healthy diet, and drank more than the recommended amounts of alcohol (no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women).

Summit Medical Group Chief Medical Officer Robert M. Brenner, MD, MMM, says, “Summit Medical Group strongly supports the CDC recommendations.” Dr. Brenner adds, “An overriding focus among practitioners at the Group is helping patients take an active role in their health. We encourage our patients to practice preventive measures such as healthy dietary, exercise, and lifestyle habits each day. Our practitioners are eager to teach patients what they can do to make a significant difference in the quality and length of their lives. In addition, the Group offers lectures on smoking cessation and nutrition. Our Physical Therapy service,” he adds, “is comprised of exercise and fitness experts who can help you get in shape!”

Together with the CDC, Summit Medical Group encourages its patients to:

• Avoid Tobacco and Smoking
  If you don't smoke, don't start. If you smoke, quit immediately. As with any addiction, a doctor’s guidance can mean the difference between success and failure. Ask your doctor how you can stop smoking. He or she can offer recommendations and resources to help ensure you reach your goal and stay with it. Other resources include 1-800-Quit-Now and quitsmokingsupport.com
• Limit Alcohol
  If you are a man, have no more than 2 drinks a day. If you are a woman, limit your drink to 1 a day
• Eat a Healthy Diet
  Follow a diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Ensure that the majority of your calories are from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat dairy products. Limit salt, sugar, and refined grains. Limit your calories to an amount that will help you maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise Regularly
  Be sure you exercise at least 5 days per week. Getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise such as brisk walking or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise such as running or race walking will do the trick!

For more information about stopping smoking,
please call your internist or family practitioner.

To schedule an appointment with one of our registered dieticians,
please call Summit Medical Group Nutrition Services today
at 908-277-8731.

To get started with exercise or enhance your fitness routine,
please call Summit Medical Group Physical Therapy today
at 908-277-8936.