Americans Still Avoiding Healthy Living

A new study shows that recommendations on diet and exercise aren't getting through, reports WebMD. The research indicates that even though Americans know what they need to do to ward off cardiovascular disease and live longer, most still aren't making smart lifestyle choices.

In the June 2009 issue of The American Journal of Medicine, researchers reported that only a small proportion of adults are engaging in physical activity on a regular basis, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetable, or working hard to maintain a healthy weight.

Study researchers Dana E. King, MD, MS said, "The potential public health benefits from promoting a healthier lifestyle at all ages, and especially ages 40-74 years, are substantial. Regular physical activity and a prudent diet can reduce the risk of premature death and disability from a variety of conditions, including coronary heart disease, and are strongly related to the incidence of obesity."

King says that the medical costs related to physical inactivity and its consequences are estimated at $76 billion.

The researchers write that men's healthy habits have decreased more than women in some areas and the percentage of women engaging in physical activity decreased by about 7%.

Among their conclusions is that more emphasis is needed on the importance of healthy lifestyle habits.