Winter 2012 - Meritus Health

OWNER’S MANUALWhat Places You at a GreaterHealth Risk?We asked Drs. Crussiah and Reed to tell us what behaviorsor situations place patients at a greater health risk.Here are their top ten concerns:❶ Smoking or other tobacco use❷ Carrying excessive weight❸ Avoiding regular exercise❹ A stressful lifestyle❺ Drinking excessively❻ Making unhealthy food choices and not eating fruits and vegetables❼ Ignoring your teeth and gums (gum disease is linked to inflammationand a higher risk for a heart attack)❽ Getting too much sun (not wearing sunscreen and using tanning beds)➒ Choosing not to wear a seatbelt or driving while distracted❿ Disregarding chronic health conditions such as high blood pressureand diabetesA New Icon for Well-Rounded MealsIn case you haven’t noticed, our food portionshave grown, and we eat too much meat. To helpus regain our health and reduce our waists,Brandy Baxter, registered dietitian with MeritusMedical Center, shared newadvice on how to fix dinner.Baxter told Health Mattersradio show (WJEJ 1240 AMTuesdays at 9:30 am)listeners that the USDA nowuses the MyPlate icon toremind consumers to build ahealthy plate consisting ofmore fruits and vegetables.MyPlate recommends aquarter of the plate dedicatedto lean protein (meats), onequarter for whole grains (rice or whole grain pasta),and the remaining half for fruits and veggies.According to Baxter, the USDA’s food pyramid ofyesteryear was too confusing for most consumers tofollow. The focus on fruitsand veggies also increasesfiber intake, which makesyou feel fuller longer, lowerscholesterol, and keepsyou regular. But fruitsand vegetables can cost abundle. For those watchingtheir dollars, Baxtersuggests freezing salepricedlean meats andbuying store-brandfrozen vegetables.6 MeritusHealth.com