Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Encourages all Women to Prioritize Health

FOR RELEASE MAY 3, 2012

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Encourages
All Women to Prioritize Health during
National Women’s Health Week and Beyond

CHICAGO – Women often serve as caregivers for their family, sometimes making their own health a secondary issue. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds women of all ages to make health their top priority for both themselves and those they love through regular checkups, preventive screenings and eating right.

As part of National Women’s Health Week (May 13-19), women are reminded during National Women’s Checkup Day (May 14) to schedule regular checkups, which are vital to the early detection of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other diseases.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women, killing one in four women,” said registered dietitian and Academy spokesperson Marisa Moore. “The good news is that you can reduce your chances of developing heart disease by knowing your risk and through regular screenings and everyday care.”

Heart disease can begin at any age, but certain factors increase your risk, such as older age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, overweight, physical inactivity and having a family history of heart disease.

“While certain factors cannot be changed, a healthful diet and regular physical activity can help reverse the risk of developing heart disease, and other conditions like diabetes and cancer,” Moore said. “Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, reducing sodium, solid fats and added sugars, and getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day are some simple steps you can take towards lowering your risk for these diseases.

“Adding a registered dietitian to your health-care team is also a great way to ensure your eating plan is right for you,” Moore said. “Registered dietitians have the training and expertise to develop eating plans that are specific to your body’s needs.”

Even if you do not have any obvious risk factors for heart disease, it is important to regularly see your health-care provider for preventative screening.

Learn more about women’shealth and heart health by visiting www.EatRight.org, and also find reviews by registered dietitians of popular weight and diabetes management apps for smart phones.

Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org  to locate a registered dietitian in your area.