Vim & Vigor - Winter 2009 - North Mississippi - (Page 54)

healthy bites NMMC introduces patients to the mediterranean-style diet W e all know we should eat better, but now North Mississippi Medical Center is making it easier for some patients to start on the right path. Based on recommendations from physicians, NMMC recently adopted the Mediterranean diet for heart and diabetes patients. While it may take some getting used to, doctors believe the difference it can make in your health is worth it. ❋ proven benefits Studies have linked our typical Western diet—which is high in fried foods, salty snacks, eggs and meat—to an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Trans-fatty foods and simple carbohydrates (like white potatoes, white rice, white bread and sugar) also increase a person’s risk. “All the research indicates that we should eat less of these types of foods and more of a Mediterranean-style diet, which includes lots of fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains and ﬁsh,” says Barry Bertolet, M.D., a board-certiﬁed cardiologist on the NMMC Heart Institute’s medical staff. In fact, Bertolet says studies show a signiﬁcant difference based on lifestyle. The Lyon Heart Study involved 605 individuals—half of whom changed to a Mediterranean diet and half who continued eating their typical fare. “The study showed a 65 percent decrease in cardiac mortality among those who changed to a Mediterranean diet, as well as a 64 percent decrease in sudden cardiac death,” he says. go For assistance in incorporating the Mediterranean diet into your healthy lifestyle, contact 800-THE DESK (800-843-3375). hungry for more? ❋ how does it compare? INTERHEART, another more recent study that included 52 countries worldwide, compared the Mediterranean, Western and Asian diets. “Researchers found that those who consumed the prudent Mediterranean diet had a 30 percent lower risk of heart attack, compared with people who ate little or no fruits and vegetables,” Bertolet says. “Those who ate a Western diet had vim & vigor · winte r 2 009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2009 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2009 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Our Newest Addition
Diabetes Check
Model Behavior
Is it a Sign?
Your Heart: The Owner's Manual
Independence Days
Sidney Poitier
The Right Stuff
Watch and Learn
Up to Speed
Pedi-cures
Shining Stars
Back in Action
Digest This
Healthy Bites
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2009 - North Mississippi