Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its affects, ODS is proudly participating in American Heart Month.

In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk for CAD through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. (more…)

Some old wives’ tales, such as arthritis resulting from cracking knuckles, have not held up to scientific scrutiny.  Others have stood the test of time, such as the idea that drinking cranberry juice can help fight urinary tract infections.  The concept of fish being good for the health of the brain has also gained credibility from recently published reports. (more…)

In 2011, the American Diabetes Association encouraged Americans to “Join the Million Challenge” and more than 600,000 people took the Diabetes Risk Test. On March, 27, 2012, the Association will aim to top that number, inspiring people to take the all-new Diabetes Risk Test, as well as to share the test with everyone they care about – friends, family members and colleagues. With each person that takes the test and knows their risk, the Association is that much closer to stopping diabetes.

American Diabetes Association Alert Day®, which is held every fourth Tuesday in March, is a one-day, “wake-up call” asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

The new Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.  Preventative tips are provided for everyone who takes the test, including encouraging those at high risk to talk with their health care provider.

Diabetes by the Numbers

Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States, and a quarter of them—7 million—do not even know they have it. An additional 79 million, or one in three American adults, have prediabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take the steps to Stop Diabetes®.

Are You at Risk? (more…)

Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women. Locally, the total number of major cardiovascular deaths in Oregon accounted for 32.1% of all deaths for 2005. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its affects, ODS is proudly participating in American Heart Month. (more…)

With it nearing the end of January, I thought I would check in. Did you make a fitness related resolution? If you are losing your momentum, make sure that you set realistic expectations. It is recommended to get:  

30 minutes of moderately intense cardio five days a week
Or
 20 minutes of vigorously intense cardio 3 days a week
And
8 to 10 strength-training exercises, eight to 12 repetitions of each twice a week

There are many people who will not reach these goals because they simply loathe exercising. Today’s blog post is particularly intended for those people who would like to exercise, but find that the traditional methods (going to the gym, running on the track, swimming laps, etc.) to difficult. Some activity is better than no activity.

Here are a few helpful ideas on combining exercise with fun activities to keep you moving.  

1. Combine a hobby with exercise. (more…)

Sitting too much can kill you… Check out this cool new graphic based on recent research from the American Cancer Society. (more…)

Are you thinking about quitting smoking? Have you tried before and been unsuccessful? Join millions of Americans this month around a common quit date. The Great American Smokeout encourages smokers to set up a quit plan and quit together on the third Thursday of November. This year, the quit date is Thursday, November 17th. Get the support and guidance you need to kick the habit with cessation resources available to you.

The Free & Clear Quit for Life Program is here to help you every step of the way. Log on to your myODS account to learn more*.

The Oregon Quit Line offers numerous resources online and via phone. Call 1.800.quit.now (784.8669) or log on to https://www.quitnow.net/oregon/.

*Services may not be included in all benefit plans.