ABSTRACT
Take a walk in any North American city or town, and it doesn’t take long to realize that many children and adults do not appear to be in the ideal shape or health. Epidemiological research related to our health habits in the US has revealed staggering statistics related to our ability to achieve markers of a “healthy lifestyle” within an environment that has shifted towards less healthy living. These habits include seven measurable health parameters identified by the American Heart Association (2012) that have been linked through research to preventable death. These factors include: (1) maintaining a healthy weight for your height (Body Mass Index <25); (2) total cholesterol <200; (3) fasting blood sugar <100; (4) blood pressure <120/80; (5) regular exercise of 30 minutes at least five days a week; (6) eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily; and (7) not smoking. With an average rate of obesity hovering around 30% nationally (with another 30–40% overweight), 20–30% of adults meeting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity, and <25% eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, perhaps it is not surprising it is estimated that only 1% of US adults maintain an ideal cardiovascular profile!
