Put Pep in Your Steps to Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death, affecting one out of every four men in America. Nearly half of all men have at least one of the top three heart disease risk factors: high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, or they smoke. 

In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed a Congressional proclamation designating Men’s Health Week every June leading up to Father’s Day. Intended to heighten awareness of preventable men’s health problems and encourage national dialogue for early detection and screening, it is sobering to realize American women still outlive men by five years. The fact is men are less likely to seek medical help until a situation reaches dire consequences.

The good news is heart health benefits can be realized by following some common-sense guidelines:

• Eat healthy. Choose high-fiber foods like grains, vegetables, fruits and small amounts of lean protein. Avoid added sugar, salt, saturated fats and trans-fats like those found in quick serve foods, packaged snacks and processed meats.

• Move more. Simple physical activity -- just half an hour five days a week, yields noticeable results. Think walking, biking, gardening, swimming or dancing if you are not a “gym rat.”

• Maintain a healthy weight. Adjust eating habits to your specific activity levels. Being overweight could increase the risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Dropping just 10 pounds can noticeably improve cardiovascular function.

• Stop smoking. Chemicals emitted from cigarette smoke promote plaque buildup in arteries that cause heart disease and heart attacks. Avoid environments with secondhand smoke to reduce personal exposure.

• Control cholesterol and blood pressure. Know your numbers and get checked regularly. Adhere to prescribed medications; commit to weight loss and lifestyle changes to improve health for the long run.

• Drink in moderation, if at all. Drinking alcohol moderately and responsibly may be beneficial to someone who is healthy. Still, alcohol consumption is not risk free. It is not necessary to imbibe. Simply follow a regimen of eating well and exercising regularly.

• Manage stress. The mind-body connection achieved through modalities like yoga, meditation and deep breathing are beneficial ways to keep heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression at bay.  

The prostate gland likewise benefits from a heart healthy diet, regular vigorous exercise, and proper weight maintenance efforts. Studies show a correlation in reducing incidents of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, aka enlarged prostate) and ED (erectile dysfunction).

To advance men’s health, consider these two innovative QOL supplements:

• Dual-action ProstaCell^® utilizes standardized extracts of red clover, pygeum bark, saw palmetto and nettle root. In concert with vitamin D3, this supplement helps maintain prostate health and support normal urinary flow.* Dr. Aaron Katz, best-selling author of Katz’s Guide to Prostate Health, formulated this supplement.
• Satisfide^® is a male sexual enhancement supplement. Virilast^®, a proprietary blend of seven natural herbs and Butea superba, a performance enhancing herb, work to stimulate desire, enhance performance and increase duration to achieve sexual satisfaction.*

June also happens to be National Dairy Month, celebrating the benefits of consuming dairy foods since 1937. While nutrition guidelines constantly evolve, experts agree heart-healthy diets can and should include daily servings of reduced-fat cheese, yogurt, and milk. Vitamins and minerals supplied by dairy products are helpful in reducing high blood pressure and protecting from the risk of heart attack and stroke.

For people with lactose intolerance, QOL’s Ameal BP^® with AmealPeptide^® is an effective way to ingest casein, a component of milk protein. Designed to maintain blood pressure already within normal range, this supplement uses a proprietary enzymatic process to make active small proteins (known as tripeptides VPP and IPP) available to the body.* Free of side effects with an undetectable lactose level under .05%, Ameal BP^®  is meant to promote flexible arteries and increase sodium excretion.*

So, start summer off with a list of fun outdoor activities. Enjoy the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Stay cool with frozen treats. Most of all, count your blessings for another day with your friends and family.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.