INTERNET ACTIVITY Use the internet to learn more about one o

INTERNET ACTIVITY Use the internet to learn more about one of the controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Choose one of the controllable risk factors from the quiz in this worksheet—preferably one for which you have a high score. Find out more about the risk factor by visiting one of the sites listed in your text or by doing a Web search. Risk factor: Site(s) visited (URL): Please respond to the following: Summarize what you learned about the risk factor. Describe three practical changes can you make in your current behavior to control or lessen the risk factor.

Solution

Risk factor is something that increases one\'s chance to get the disease. There are many risk factors for a disease. Having more risk factors increases overall risk of the disease. Risk factors can be classified into two categories - modifiable and non-modifiable.

Both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors can increase probability of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

A. Non-Modifiable factors are-

1. Age:- Risk of cardiovascular disease increases as one gets older.

2. Gender:- Before the age of 60 men are at higher risk than women.

3. Family history:- Risk may increase if close relatives experinced early heart disease.

B. Modifiable factors are-

1. Raised levels of blood cholesterol

2. High blood pressure

3. Diabetes

4. Smoking

5. Overweight/obesity

6. Inactivity

7. Excessive alcohol

8. Excessive stress

Three practical changes that one can make to prevent risk factors for CVD are

1. Make healthy lifestyle choices. Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and eating healthy, low fat diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and other vitamin-rich foods.

2. Stop smoking. Avoid or limit intake of caffiene, alcohol.

3. Avoid unnecessary stress, such as anger, anxiety or fear and find ways to manage or control stressful situations that cannot be avoided