SENECA, SC – As the new year begins, one health-related fact emerges that should make us seriously consider some lifestyle changes.

Pamela Altstatt is a clinical exercise physiologist and personal trainer with an extensive medical background including a Masters in Exercise Physiology, a BS in Kinesiology/Exercise Science, and certification as a Sports Nutritionist. She launched Upstate Adventure Boot Camp in July 2008.
For detailed information visit
www.UpstateBootCamp.com or contact Altstatt at Pamela@Upstate BootCamp.com or (864) 247-2260.

According to American Heart Association (AHA) reports, American adults get a “poor” rating in heart health factors, including weight, physical activity, diet, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Additionally, the AHA reports that obesity continues to be the biggest contributor to the risk of heart disease, with 67 percent of American adults and nearly 32 percent of children clinically overweight or obese – and those numbers are constantly rising.

One explanation, the AHA says, is that in recent years average calorie consumption went up by 22 percent in women and 10 percent in men, with most of the increase coming from unhealthful foods and large portion sizes.

“Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country, these findings are certainly alarming,” notes fitness expert Pamela Alstatt. “Millions of Americans are literally eating themselves into an early grave. Combine this poor nutrition with a sedentary lifestyle, and you have a recipe for disaster.”

In fact, AHA found that 33 percent of adults don’t engage in physical activity at all, and many more fall short of the recommended minimum of 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

What can we do to defy these statistics and improve our cardiovascular health? “It’s really a no-brainer and certainly nothing that we haven’t heard before,” Altstatt says. “Better eating habits and a regular exercise program should be at the top of our New Year resolutions list.” She suggests:

• Do your heart a favor and cut out (or at least drastically reduce) saturated fats, sugar, too much salt, as well as refined foods from your diet. Instead, focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, as well as low-fat dairy and lean protein.

• Make fitness an integral part of your daily life. The best way to make sure you stick with your exercise program is to find a physical activity that’s enjoyable and varied so it is fun rather than a chore.

“If you are like most people, you probably commit to making these lifestyle changes every year, but end up throwing in the towel pretty quickly,” Altstatt says. “However, in 2012 make it your absolute priority to keep these resolutions – no matter what!”