Revisiting the effectiveness of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Step I and Step II diets: cholesterol-lowering diets in a pharmaceutically driven world

Dietary diversity: case study of fruit and vegetable consumption by chiropractic patients

BACKGROUND

A distinct health advantage has been linked with eating a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the diversity of fruits and vegetables consumed by chiropractic patients and inquires into their preferred purchasing patterns.

METHOD

A case study that included patients attending 24 chiropractic practices in 5 states and the Australian Capital Territory was undertaken. Seven hundred eighty-two patients were asked to complete a questionnaire providing general information about their life-style and particular information about the number of servings of fruits and vegetables that they usually consumed.

RESULTS

Although overall chiropractic patients reported adhering to a number of healthy life-style behaviors, participants in this study would benefit from eating a greater diversity of fruits and vegetables.

CONCLUSION

In view of the substantial health benefits associated with eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, it is suggested that chiropractic patients be encouraged to follow a color code system for purchasing their fresh produce.

Hyperlipidemia

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is prevalent and often related to an unhealthy diet and hyperlipidemia. The diagnosis of hyperlipidemia should be carefully made, using more than one measurement in the manner described. An assessment of risks allows one to decide whom to treat. Patients with CHD should be treated aggressively but it is less clear how aggressive to be with patients without CHD. Diet and exercise recommendations are appropriate for almost all patients. For those for whom the benefit is greater than the potential risks, statins are first-line drug therapy and they appear to have beneficial effects aside from their lipid-lowering properties.