The reading “Changing Attitudes Toward Cardiovascular Disease,” presents a solid case for the association between cardiovascular diseases and human lifestyle. Recent medical studies indicate that lifestyles have an immense effect on the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (Pakenham, Jo and Jessica 15). As a result, the attitudes of people have shifted towards better health care.
As discussed by Pakenham, Jo and Jessica, most people have acknowledged that they could minimize the chances of developing CVD by paying attention to aspects such as exercise, stress and smoking (Pakenham, Jo and Jessica 15). This knowledge has resulted in large scale changes in human behaviors; with people focusing on being responsible for the health and adopting preventive measures such as exercise instead of relying on medication. Besides, the connection between health and diet, have resulted in a major shift in diet plans; people have reduced or even eliminated food high in cholesterol, sugars and fats in their diets.
Consequentially, the changes in attitudes and behavior have had a positive effect. The number of deaths attributed to CVD has been on a tremendous decline. In the U.S., the mortality rate due to CVD was more than 35% in the mid-1980s, but as 2010, only 6% percent of the population had developed CVD (Pakenham, Jo and Jessica 15). Although “change in attitudes toward personal health and a greater understanding of the association between health and lifestyle” have turned out to be promising; the need for a global strategy to combat CVD is still evident. CVD is now turning out to be a major killer in developing countries (Pakenham, Jo and Jessica 16). Therefore, the use of tobacco and intake of high sugar, salt, or fat foods should be controlled; with people advised to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Work Cited
Pakenham, Kenneth J, Jo McEntire, and Jessica Williams. Making Connections: Skills and Strategies for Academic Reading: 3., 2013. Print.
