HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
Keeping Nutrition and Fitness at the Heart of Vascular Health As the world moves to an endemic stage, recent studies have pointed out the rising risks of new heart problems due to the pandemic. With growing uncertainty around heart health data, what can the general public practice to minimise further risks to their vascular wellness? Against this backdrop, healthcare practitioners must play a more active role in ensuring the public is aware of the importance of nutrition and diet management. Alex Teo, Director, Research & Development and Scientific Affairs, Asia Pacific, Herbalife Nutrition
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s the world turns a page on the pandemic, much is still unknown on the full implications of the Covid-19 virus and its health impacts in the long term. For example, “long Covid1” is an emerging phenomenon 1 https://www.bbc.com/news/health-57833394
that has brought about anxieties over the pandemic’s largely undiscovered long-term effects. Recent studies show that this virus could increase the risks2 of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly among people with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or lifestyles that are not conducive to good vascular health. In Asia, this is a concerning development given that CVDs were already the leading cause of 10.8 million deaths3 in 2019, or approximately 354 per cent of the total deaths in the region. Amidst this landscape, how can consumers maintain or boost their vascular wellness? The shift in focus towards preventive care such as choosing a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition that promotes heart health, regular check-ups and maintaining a good relationship with a healthcare 2 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-01689-3 3 https://www.jacc.org/ doi/10.1016/j.jacasi.2021.04.007?_ ga=2.51021292.412519287.1648615111697237784.1648615111#bib2 4 http://ghdx.healthdata.org/gbd-results-tool.
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A SI A N H O S P I T A L & H EA LT HCA R E M A N AGE M E N T
IS S UE - 57, 2022
professional (HCP) are some of the primary measures that can help. According to the Herbalife Nutrition Myth Survey5, consumers also want and rely on credible and accurate information from HCPs and nutrition companies when it comes to differentiating between nutrition myths and facts. Hence, HCPs can play an influential role in raising awareness on nutrition and lifestyle options for health risk prevention. Here are some aspects for consumers and HCPs to look into when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart: General nutrition philosophy
When it comes to nutrition for heart health, the ideal calorie consumption should comprise 40 per cent carbohydrates, 30 per cent protein, and 30 per cent healthy fats, coupled with 25 grams of fibre and adequate hydration – around eight glasses of water per day. While a dietary pattern of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains 5 https://www.herbalife.com.sg/apacnews/press-release/ nutrition-myth-hcp/
