By JOHN HOWE
Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day and increasing physical activity are the keys to a healthier lifestyle as well as lowering risks for heart disease, one Wellness Week expert said.
Heather Leonard, a registered dietitian from the Utah Department of Health, will speak about the importance of nutrition and exercise at the presentation “Cardiovascular Fitness and the Five-a-Day Program.” Leonard’s class is scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. in 3211 ELWC.
“People can come a few steps closer to better cardiovascular health and quality of life,” Leonard said. “Cardiovascular health is essential to have a better quality of life.”
The five-a-day program is a part of a national promotion to encourage people to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The cardiovascular program is part of the Utah Department of Health’s efforts to increase cardiovascular health and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Heart disease is the number one killer for men and women in the state of Utah. However, it is one disease where risks can be successfully modified by changing a sedentary lifestyle.
Leonard said the cardiovascular health of Utahns is improving because they are eating better, but they’re not fully aware of the risks of heart disease.
“They don’t understand the impact of heart disease. People are more worried about cancer. Utahns need to know things have to be taken care of now, not later,” she said.
The cardiovascular program of the Utah Department of Health promotes heart health in Utah. The program offers education, data and research information on heart disease and strokes.
Leonard has a BS in Nutrition and Food Science from Utah State University. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and a certified dietitian in the state of Utah. She serves as a councilwomen on the professional issues chair for the Utah Dietetic Association.
