From Deseret News archives:
Utahns unhealthy and know better
Bad habits shave years, hurt quality of life, Y. prof says
To a degree, we choose when and how we will die. We decide when we sit on the couch instead of going for a walk, when we load up on sugars and greasy foods but never eat fruits and vegetables. When we light up.
Seventy percent of deaths are lifestyle-related and thus preventable. That means those deaths are also premature, according to Steven G. Aldana, professor at BYU's College of Health and Human Performance and a recognized expert on lifestyle and longevity.
"There's a gap between what we know and what we do," Aldana said in a address to the fifth annual IHC Healthy Communities Conference, Wednesday at the Salt Lake Hilton.
Fully 91 percent of diabetes cases are lifestyle-related and preventable. Four percent of Utahns have diabetes, compared to 6.7 percent nationally.
How do we die? Nearly one-third of Americans succumb to cancer. Just under half die of heart disease. And 70 percent of both those cancers and heart disease are lifestyle-related, Aldana said.
Recently, in an airport, Aldana saw posters showing that the automatic external defibrillators are everywhere, with simple instructions on how to use them. It would be more helpful, he said, to line the walls with fruits and vegetables to prevent the heart attacks in the first place.
Research puts a number value on human decisions. People who eat red meat more than once a week subtract 3.9 years from their lives, for instance, he said. A vegetarian lifestyle adds 1.5 years. Exercising regularly adds 2.5. One of the best things you can do is eat a fourth-cup of nuts five times a week, adding 2.5 years because of healthy fats and fiber. Some studies say obesity reduces life span by as much as 11-13 years.
And research shows that "you'll die sooner if you're inactive than if you're a smoker."
Comments
- 'Grandfamilies' a growing trend 12:31 a.m.
- 'Cyber Monday' sales top records 12:29 a.m.
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game 12:26 a.m.
- No drugs in driver of Am.F. band bus 12:15 a.m.
- Governor Mansion to begin free tours 12:14 a.m.
- Head of Mexico Consulate dies 12:14 a.m.
- Gas pipeline gets preliminary OK 12:13 a.m.
- 10-year-old's 911 call saves mom 12:12 a.m.
- Jazz photo gallery 12:07 a.m.
- Scholars defend 'Messiah' 12:04 a.m.
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
- Y. student vanished in China
- Max Hall issues apology
- Utes won't respond to Hall
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
- Cougs begin bowl preparations
- Boy shot following traffic stop
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling
- Matthews passes new Jazz tests
- U. eyes bowl for redemption
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
898 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
481 - Max Hall issues apology
379 - Hall reprimanded by MWC
370 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
316 - Utes won't respond to Hall
257 - BYU is champion of the state
140 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
121 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
120 - Religion in politics is tiresome
110
Live 'Twittologue' Dec. 2, 4:00 p.m. with Jason Chaffetz. Click for more.
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
There are some games I love not on your list. Arkham Asylum for one.
Our parents made my brothers help kill and clean our rabbits before we ate...
Why would you keep it open? I would understand if there was a lot of amazing...
The government will run our health care well? Read Reader's Digest, November...
TCU stomped on the MWC so they are naturally ready to crush Florida, Alabama...
could you understand Dave Locke any more than my mom does and she is not even...
Attending the ND/BYU game 3 years ago in south bend, a couple of things stuck...
I missed the game, actually i heard a little bit of Locke on the radio (man...
quotes were good: Article was dumb and unnecessary.
I believe the art depicting Joseph looking at the plates may possibly be...



You can be the first to comment on this story.