Nutrition Education Deficit Among Physicians

September 16, 2019

 Despite the continuous medical focus on obesity, nutrition, and diet-related diseases, many internal medicine training programs still lack comprehensive nutrition education modules, leaving residents and physicians inadequately equipped to handle many related conditions – including the pervasive obesity health crisis. A commentary published in JAMA Internal Medicine in July underscores the persisting need for nutrition knowledge for today’s physicians.

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Lowering Cholesterol Levels Through Diet

September 9, 2019

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels can greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease development and stroke while promoting heart health. According to current guidelines for blood cholesterol management, adults should have a total cholesterol reading of less than 200 mg/dL however, many individuals struggle with high levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL putting them at risk for heart disease.

For some, lowering cholesterol levels requires a multifactorial approach comprised of medication, weight management, physical activity, and nutritional restrictions. Other individuals with elevated cholesterol levels may benefit from simple dietary changes such as reducing animal protein intake and increasing vegetable consumption, which can lower total cholesterol by 25% or more.

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Nature Exposure for Health Benefits Quantified  

September 3, 2019

Nature exposure has long been correlated to improved mental wellbeing and physical health, able to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. A growing body of evidence implicates that greater exposure to or contact with natural environments can greatly benefit populations in high-income, largely urbanized societies, while merely living in a greener neighborhood has the potential to better health outcomes. Living in greener areas has been correlated to decreased risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental distress, as well as increased longevity and improved self-reported health.

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