"You should lead a more healthy life style", we have all heard that from our parents, partner, siblings, work colleagues and sometimes from our doctor. Few take any notice of this good advice and fewer still do anything about it.
What is a healthy life style and what is the connection between health and lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is the way we might choose to lead our lives. In relation to preventing heart disease it is the second in our risk groups between genetics and health.
Healthy life style
Most people would immediately think of food (diet) as one of our lifestyle choices. Admitting to others that we may be eating large quantities of unhealthy fast food is something that we may feel uncomfortable about. For most good eating habits happens to be the most important lifestyle choice. Not only in the choices of the food types but in the quantities or portion sizes. A balanced healthy diet together with appropriate calorie intake will control weight and therefore reduce heart disease risk.
Health and life style
For some the choices for a healthy lifestyle are directly opposite to the choices they make including exercise. We may know the need to exercise for health reasons but by definition its just too much effort. Would some people take this more seriously if the statement was put another way such as "include exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle or most likely die early from heart premature disease"
Smoking and alcohol effects
Science has shown that smoking and alcohol effects heart health. The effects are different for some peolple and can be more pronounced depending on the quantity and length of time used. For those that do not smoke or only take alcohol in moderation it may seem that these less than healthy life style choices are stupid to make.
If you need help to quit smoking can get expert help through many sources including http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/
If you need help with excessive alcohol use then visit www.aa.org/
Cocaine and steroids
Using cocaine and steroids are again lifestyle choices. If either is the case for you please see our sections on cocaine and steroids as you may not be aware these choices can be effecting your heart health.
Stressful lifestyle
Most people would say they have a stressful lifestyle, it just comes from living in the modern world. Most people would shrug it off as just one of those things. However a stressful lifestyle should not be overlooked as far a heart health is concerned. Stress can be a significant contributor to premature heart disease for some individuals.
Other issues
Finally in this section on living a healthy life style have a look at the sections for environment and compliance
Your health and lifestyle
If you think that like most of us that you are most likely not living a healthy life style then you can take this opportunity to perform your own heart disease risk assessment as this will help you see what proportion of your overall risk for premature heart disease comes from your health and lifestyle choices.
We all should strive towards leading a healthy life style and being aware of the consequences of not doing so may be helpful to some open minded individuals. | 
