Two thirds unaware of healthy calorie intake

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication: January 2015

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A new poll from the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Diabetes UK and Tesco has found that about two thirds of people do not know how many calories the average person needs to maintain a healthy weight.  Only 35 percent of respondents knew the average man needed 2,500 calories per day and 37 percent were aware that the average woman needed 2,000 calories.  Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of BHF said: “These figures are deeply concerning and highlight our confusion about calories.  Eating too much of any food increases the chances of becoming obese, a risk factor for coronary heart disease, which is the UK’s single biggest killer.”

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: UK Health Forum

Cardiovascular health could benefit from higher consumption of fish oil

Source: Heart journal

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Date of publication: March 2014

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell:  A study lead by the University Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health has stated that encouraging higher consumption of fish oil could greatly benefit cardiovascular health in middle-aged white men. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and slow the formation of fatty plaque in arteries, both of which lead to coronary artery calcification, a predictor of heart disease and found lower in Japanese men who’s diet consisted largely of fish.

Length of publication: 6 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement:  UK Health Forum

Prospective study of breakfast eating and incident coronary heart disease

Source: Circulation, 2013, 128 (4) p. 337-343

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Date of publication: July 2013

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: The purpose of this research was to examine eating habits and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). More than 25,000 men without cardiovascular disease participated in the study, and were followed up over 16 years. Men who did not eat breakfast had a 27% higher risk of developing CHD than men who ate breakfast.

Length of publication: 7 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Activate Your Heart: Leicester activates heart care

Source: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

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Date of publication: 12November 2012

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A new cardiac rehabilitation programme has been started by staff and patients of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust: Activate Your Heart  an online self management programme which can also be accessed via smartphone or tablet device.

Length of publication:  1 web page plus link to website

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Population approaches to improve diet, physical activity and smoking habits

Source: Circulation, 2012, 126 (12) p. 1514-1563

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Date of publication: September 2012

Publication type: Policies

In a nutshell: This scientific statement from the American Heart Association systematically reviewed the current evidence for effective population approaches to improve eating habits, increase physical activity and reduce smoking. A range of population-based strategies promoting changes to lifestyle were identified and graded. The findings provide a framework for policy makers and other stakeholders to implement effective interventions.

Length of publication: 50 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: American Heart Association

Low carbohydrate-high protein diet and incidence of cardiovascular diseases

Source: BMJ, early online 26th June 2012

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Date of publication: June 2012

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: This Swedish study of over 40,000 women examined the long-term effects of low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets. The participants were followed up for an average of 15 years. The results found that regular use of such diets was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Length of publication: 11 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Tackling of unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and obesity: health effects and cost-effectiveness

Source: Lancet, 2010, 376 (9754) p. 1775-1784

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Date of publication: November 2010

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This report assesses public health strategies designed to tackle behavioural risk factors for chronic diseases in low-income and middle-income countries. England was included for comparative purposes. Cost-effective interventions such as health information and communication strategies, fiscal and regulatory measures are discussed.

Length of publication: 8 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

MEND Programme to help Wales tackle childhood obesity

Source: eGov Monitor, 20th April 2010

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Date of publication: April 2010

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: The MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do it!) Programme will be launched soon across the country. The free, healthy lifestyle course aims to help local children become fitter and healthier, whilst having fun. The programme consists of two hour sessions twice a week after school over a ten week period. Children between the ages of 7 and 13 and their parents learn about healthy eating and how to enjoy physical activity. An independent study has shown that children who attended the MEND programme experienced long term health benefits such as improvements in cardiovascular fitness.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: Welsh Assembly Government