Evidently we are. The problem is the average American doesn't get that 7 of 10 deaths in the United States occur from chronic diseases that are largely preventable, and many times reversible with low-fat, unprocessed vegan diets like Dr. Barnard recommends in his 21 Day Kickstart Program. Both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) state that these chronic diseases are related to four risk factors: poor diet, inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use.The WHO further states…. if these risk factors were eliminated, 80 percent of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and 40 percent of cancers would be eliminated. That would be the greatest health discovery ever if implemented.  

Why do we keep relying on drugs and surgical procedures to treat these chronic conditions when they are clearly reversible and preventable through diet?

I really believe, aside from ignorance and laziness, it's because insurance companies cover treatments with drugs and surgery that are really ineffective at treating the cause of these illnesses. People would rather take a pill or have a surgical procedure that is paid for by insurance than get off their butts and do an aggressive diet like Dr. Barnard's which has been shown by a variety of researchers using similar diets to reverse or dramatically slow the progression of diabetes, heart disease, obesity related illnesses and cancer (prostate). If insurance companies would only cover catastrophic illness, such as traumas and infections, but not heart or vascular disease related illnesses (except genetic structural disorders), type 2 diabetes, obesity related illnesses and other chronic conditions people would either sink (die) or swim (live)?

It’s Pure Insanity!

If you think I am cruel or crazy remember this definition of insanity by Ben Franklin, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." We will never have a chance at real healthcare reform, a viable economy, or a healthy population if we keep eating the Standard American Diet (SAD). In fact, with the tsunami of boomers that are arriving into their senior years, the American fabric of life may be destroyed because we have no means to take care of all these chronic diseases, and we will go bankrupt spending an ever escalating part of our GDP (17% presently) on healthcare. "In the Long-Term Budget Outlook that the Congressional Budget Office released in June 2009, total spending on health care was projected to reach about 31 percent of GDP in 2035 and about 46 percent in 2080 under the extended baseline scenario." If we didn't pay for medication or surgical procedures with insurance, each individual would be forced to change or die, or pay out of pocket. With the latter they might be more motivated to change. Sound extreme? So is the definition of insanity. Think about it.

About Kirk’s Book

Staying Healthy in the Fast Lane simplifies the causes and effects of modern chronic diseases by outlining the five dietary changes over the last century that have led to excess calorie consumption, and along with reduced physical activity, have resulted in the epidemics of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

But there is good news! By applying the 9 Simple Steps to Optimal Health TRIAD Wellness Program you can prevent, delay or reverse the course of chronic disease and create real Healthcare Reform.

Within these pages are simple rules for efficient and effective diet, exercise and mind-body practices that make this program easy for even the busiest person. 

Energetic Nutrition Suggests:

Along with whole foods, try Almased Natural Weight Management and Dietary Supplementation.

Lose weight in a healthy way by taking advantage of your body's own metabolic processes. Almased uses your body's own mechanisms and processes to burn long-term fat deposits without the use of stimulants or artificial fillers. Its formula prevents the loss of lean muscle mass, which means more calories burned. It reduces blood sugar and insulin fluctuations that cause cravings during other diet programs.

More about Kirk Hamilton

Kirk Hamilton graduated from the University of California, Davis Physician’s Assistant Program through their Department of Family Practice in 1983.

Since 1986 he has been a practicing Physicians Assistant at Health Associates Medical Group in Sacramento, California, a nutrient oriented general practice. Kirk has worked in a variety of practice specialties including: Family Practice, Nutrition, Prevention, Cardiology, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement, Allergy, Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine. He is the author of Staying Healthy in the Fast Lane.

Kirk Hamilton's website is Prescription2000.com

Follow Kirk:

	www.facebook.com/kirkhamilton.author
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	www.twitter.com/kirk_hamilton
	www.prescription2000.com

Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a "man's disease," it is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and women account for nearly 50% of heart disease deaths. Heart disease is the third leading cause of death among women aged 25–44 years and the second leading cause of death among women aged 45–64 years.  The average age for a first heart attack for men is 66 years and almost half of men who have a heart attack under age 65 die within 8 years. (1) Half of men and almost two-thirds of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms. (2)

Atherosclerosis is also the most common cause of cardiovascular disease, which occurs when the arteries become clogged and narrowed, restricting blood flow. Without adequate blood flow from the coronary arteries, the heart becomes starved of oxygen and the vital nutrients it needs to work properly. A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when a plaque ruptures, allowing a blood clot to form. This completely obstructs the artery, stopping blood flow to part of the heart muscle, and that portion of muscle dies.

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, stress, and secondhand smoke are risk factors associated with heart disease. Other conditions that affect your heart or increase your risk of death or disability include arrhythmia, heart failure, family history, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

The good news is that many cases of heart disease can be prevented and even reversed by the application of a strict diet, exercise, and stress management practices. People who have survived a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of another heart attack or a stroke in the future. Healthy aging populations have dramatically reduced the incidence of heart disease when following their traditional lifestyle, while younger generations adopting the modern Western diet and lifestyle are developing heart disease at the same rate as those in the West.

Know Your Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack.  Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Call 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms. These are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
• Signs in women may be different than for men.  Read our blog: Women and Heart Attacks: Identify the Signs, Save a Life

Healthy Lifestyle: Diet and Nutrition, Exercise and Fitness  

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. Many people make it harder than it is. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts. As you make daily food choices, read nutrition labels and base your eating pattern on these recommendations:

• Follow a healthy diet abundant in vegetables and fruit
• Choose good quality (hormone and antibiotic free) lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
• Legumes are an excellent source of protein and fiber.
• Eliminate, or select fat-free, 1% fat, and low-fat dairy products.
• Choose healthy fats like olive oil and avocado and cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
• Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.
• Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
• Select and purchase foods lower in salt/sodium.
• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day if you're a woman and two drinks per day if you're a man.
• Keep an eye on your portion sizes. 

For an even more in depth program for healthy eating, we highly recommend Kirk’s book, Staying Healthy in the Fast Lane.

Providing your body with the extra support it needs can go a long way in keeping your heart happy. These excellent supplements are available at Energetic Nutrition.

	Omega-3 fats like the ones found in ArcticPure Omega-3 are a critical component of any heart health plan. Omega-3 fats have been shown to reduce inflammation, raise HDL, support healthy circulation and promote heart health by thinning the blood, dilating blood vessels, and supporting healthy blood pressure. It also has components that inhibit inflammatory mediators.
	VitalzymSEB is a unique enzyme formula designed specifically to support heart health by supplying enzymes that may cleanse the blood of excess fibrin and arterial plaque.  It also lowers C-Reactive Protein levels, which is the cause of vascular inflammation.
	Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant which has been shown to safeguard LDL cholesterol from oxidation.  CoQ10 is a critical component in the primary energy cycle, and is most abundant in the heart. Deficiencies in CoQ10 strongly correlate with heart disease.
	Antioxidants like Vitamin E have been shown to help neutralize destructive free radicals and support cardiovascular health by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol and inhibiting plaque formation. Oxidized cholesterol is an unstable molecule that damages the integrity of arteries.
	A good quality multi-vitamin like Life Essence Multiple provides essential vitamins and minerals along with anti-oxidants, amino acids, and countless other co-nutrients necessary to keep your body strong and your heart whistling a happy tune.
	Estrogens play a complex role in non-reproductive tissues including the cardiovascular system. The risk of stroke and heart disease is increased dramatically when a person is estrogen dominant.  DIM is an excellent hormone balancer, particularly in an estrogen dominant body.
	Antioxidants like those included in Systemic Vitamin C can help boost immune function, while protecting our cells and DNA from free radical damage. These antioxidants can also serve as a preventative measure against many different health issues from colds and flu to more serious disorders like cardiovascular disease.

Physical activity in your daily life is an important step to preventing heart disease. Moderate exercise 3-4 times per week for at least 30 minutes is essential to support circulation, vitality, and heart health. You can take a few simple steps at home, at work, and at play to increase the amount of physical activity in your life.

Stress is a major concern when it comes to hypertension and heart health. Keep those stress hormones in check and that blood pressure down by taking time to relax, meditate, walk, take a bath, or do whatever it is you do that relaxes you.  Even if it is only for 5-10 minutes per day, it makes a difference.

You can live a heart-healthy lifestyle that contributes to your longevity. Don’t be a statistic.  For extra support, get your friends and family involved in living a healthy and energetic lifestyle.

References

1. Roger V, Go, A, Lloyd-Jones, D, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2011 update. A report from the American  Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee . Circulation 2011;123:e1-e192.
    
2. Lloyd-Jones D, Adams RJ, Brown TM, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2010 Update. A Report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation. 2010;121:e1-e170. 

What is Ketsumeisei?

Ketsumeisei contains Sicklepod Senna, Chinese Wild Yam, Safflower, Astragalus Root, Cape Jasmine Fruit, Kudzu Vine Root, Chinese Licorice, Chinese Ginseng.  Clinical studies have shown that this combination of herbs can be taken to help with metabolic and microcirculatory disturbances like those associated with Type II diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance.

Ketsumeisei is indicated for the maintenance of normalized blood sugar levels and insulin resistance disorders, such as:

• Obesity • Hyperlipidemia • Hyperinsulinemia • Hypertension • Arteriosclerosis • Arteriosclerotic diseases Diabetes mellitus has become increasingly prevalent, so much so that it is, in fact, currently referred to as a “national affliction.”  Type II diabetes, which accounts for about 95% of diabetes mellitus, results from insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance (in which insulin cannot be used effectively).  Additionally, genetic factors are involved in its etiology, but stress, overeating, lack of exercise, and other modern lifestyle habits also play a large role.  These predisposing factors promote the formation of the “diabetic constitution,” which is characterized by metabolic and circulatory disorders.

Results

In one study, 60% of diabetics taking Ketsumeisei experienced decreased glucose within 2 months. Nearly 100% of diabetics experienced improvement of subjective symptoms during the same time period. Treatments for diabetics has always included lowering and controlling the patient’s blood sugar levels, yet this approach often fails to stop further complications and may cause serious side effects, especially, when the patient is taking several drugs. Ketsumeisei offers a way to improve symptoms to help prevent more damage. Clinical studies have shown that in Type II diabetic patients, Ketsumeisei can clearly: • Help improve metabolism • Help lower blood pressure • Help increase ATP (energy of the cells) • Help decrease or maintain glucose levels • Help decrease free fatty acid, which may contribute to insulin resistance Read more about Ketsumeisei here  

Join us for this FREE Webinar series and take charge of your health
~Ask your Questions Live~

Energetic Nutrition is pleased to sponsor Webinars and eLectures by Kirk Hamilton PA-C. Kirk is the host of Staying Healthy Today Radio and a practicing physicians assistant in nutrition and integrative medicine for more than 25 years. He is the author of the book “Staying Healthy in the Fast Lane: How To Be and Stay Well In The Busy, Modern World" available in early 2010.

Kirk is the originator of the TRIAD Wellness Program highlighting his “9 Simple Steps To Optimal Health” with diet, exercise and mind-body practices. He has interviewed more than 1,000 expert researchers and physicians from around the world since 1995 and has been educating health professionals with newsletters, interviews and nutrition research databases since 1989. His website is www.Prescription2000.com.

Join us for one or more of these important and informative webinars sponsored by Energetic Nutrition. All webinars include a talk with slideshow, followed by a Question and Answer session, and are approximately 1 hour long. 

Staying Healthy In the Fast Lane – Part I
How To Be Well In the Busy, Modern World
(Overview)

Kirk Hamilton, PA-C teaches busy people how to be well in our rapidly changing, modern world. Good health is very simple. It is not a mystery, and is achievable by almost everyone. By using the TRIAD Wellness Program “9 Simple Steps To Optimal Health," chronic diseases can be prevented, delayed, stopped or reversed by efficient and effective diet, exercise and mind/body practices.  
Read more…

Staying Healthy In the Fast Lane – Part IIHow To Be Well In the Busy, Modern World
(The Practical "How To") 

Kirk Hamilton, PA-C provides educational handouts he uses daily with patients to make the “9 Simple Steps To Optimal Health” real and practical. This is a “how to” hour of practical habits that lead to wellness. 
Read more…

The Disease That Doesn’t Have to HappenReversing the Diabetes Epidemic

 Kirk Hamilton, PA-C discusses adult onset diabetes, a silent killer leading to heart disease, hypertension, vision loss, and more. An aggressive diet and exercise program, the “carbohydrate myth,” the concept of ‘intramyocellular” lipid accumulation (fat in the cell), and healthy mitochondria are discussed. 
Read more…

What Can Gorillas Teach Us About Weight Loss?
Reversing the Obesity Epidemic with the Gorilla Diet and Weight Loss Program

Kirk Hamilton, PA-C speaks frankly about the U.S. obesity crisis. This talk will emphasize the concepts of low calorically dense and high nutrient dense diets in the context of changing basic individual metabolic energy expenditure through diet and exercise. A review of why healthy aging populations stay lean, and their simple, time-tested secrets are revealed. 
Read more…

Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease
Putting the World's #1 Killer To Rest

Kirk Hamilton, PA-C shares how heart disease can be prevented and reversed by the application of strict diet, exercise and stress management practices. Credible and proven physician directed programs will be discussed along with important and simple cardiovascular screening tests that can be done at any physician’s office to show progress and disease risk.  
Read more…

Healthy Aging
Living Long and Living Well in the 21st Century

Kirk Hamilton, PA-C reveals what healthy centenarians from around the world have to tell us about living long and living well in the 21st century. How do these successful aging populations from around the world live functionally into their 90s and 100’s? What are the common diet, exercise, lifestyle, social and spiritual threads that connect these different populations from around the world and prevent and delay the chronic diseases plaguing modern societies?
Read more…  

More about Kirk Hamilton, PA-C:

 Kirk Hamilton, PA-C (Physicians Assistant Certified) graduated from the University of California, Davis Physicians Assistant Program through their Department of Family Practice in 1983.

Since 1986 he has been a practicing Physicians Assistant at Health Associates Medical Group in Sacramento, California, a nutrient oriented general practice. Kirk has worked in a variety of practice specialties including: Family Practice, Nutrition, Prevention, Cardiology, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement, Allergy, Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.

He speaks on a wide variety of health topics with a focus on disease prevention and treatment. Mr. Hamilton specializes not only in disease prevention but treatment with tailored nutritional therapy. This includes the biochemical assessment and therapeutic use of nutraceuticals including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and compounds innate to normal human biochemistry as less invasive approaches to disease treatment and prevention.