Translational Medicine and Implementation Science: How to Transform What We Know Into What We Do

Basis of preventive medicine: a healthy lifestyle

When medical knowledge is to be applied to the general population, the concept of healthy lifestyle should be highlighted, especially in terms of preventive medicine.

Most cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and death, are associated with risk factors such as dyslipidemia, smoking, hypertension and diabetes. Genetic factors are less representative. Another example is the Whitehall study, conducted with British civil servants, that showed that servants in lower grades of employments had a mortality rate three to four times higher than of those in the higher grades. The basis of preventive medicine is related to a healthy lifestyle, including a diet composed predominantly of fruit, vegetable and fish, and low intake of meat and carbohydrates. At least 150 minutes per week of aerobic and strength exercises are strongly recommended, including for protection of cognitive functions and Alzheimer prevention.

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