James Gandolfini’S Untimely Passing Shines Spotlight on Silent Killer
If you have turned on the news in the last two days, then you have probably heard that James Gandolfini, the actor so acclaimed and remembered for his role as mob boss Tony Soprano, passed away on June 19th in Rome, Italy. Official cause of death was an apparent heart attack, but at only the age of 51, no one can say that his death was not entirely premature. Not only does the death of Gandolfini come as a shock for many cultural reasons, but it should also highlight another big issue that too many of us face nowadays; the incidence of heart disease.
As Tony Soprano, Gandolfini will be remembered as the physically imposing, yet complex mafia boss who controlled his underworld empire with an iron-like fist. Yet, there is something else out there that was even bigger and deadlier than Tony Soprano could ever be. I am referring to cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of both men and women in the United States.
Falling Victim to Heart Disease
By all accounts from close friends and family, James Gandolfini was a loving and charismatic individual in real life. He was loved by many and had an excellent sense of humor. However, he also was known for being overweight, a regular smoker, and a man who enjoyed his pasta and desserts. These particular lifestyle choices made him a prime target for this highly efficient silent killer.
Currently, there is an estimated 600,000+ that will fall victim to heart disease in the United States each year. The death of Gandolfini should help to attract a little more attention to the dangers that we face from cardiovascular disease and related medical conditions. This is a killer that does not pick favorites, you could fall victim to heart disease no matter who you are. It is important that you learn the risk factors now, so that you can take action to protect yourself.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
The rise in obesity has been linked to the elevated rates of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and atherosclerosis (hardened arteries). Smoking cigarettes and other form of tobacco regularly is also considered to be a major risk factor for heart disease. By looking at the lifestyle choices of Gandolfini, one can now see how it contributed to this sort of untimely end. He loved to eat, smoking fine cigars, stayed too heavy, and didn't exercise regularly.
Luckily, we also know how people can protect themselves and their hearts from the development of cardiovascular disease. First off, it is not like you can never eat the foods you really love or even enjoy a fine cigar every now and then. The key is to enjoy these things in moderation and to remember to limit the amount of fat you consume and make sure you get plenty of regular exercise.
Alternative Steps to Stay Healthy
Clinical studies have also shown the benefits that can be gained from eating more Omega-3 fatty acids and soluble/insoluble fiber. These items can help protect your heart and improve your overall health. Other things like green tea and herbal supplements can also ensure better heart health and longer life, though a person's lifestyle choices still make the biggest difference.
There is no doubt that Gandolfini will be greatly missed, but we should remember that none of us will live forever. Our time on this planet can depend greatly on how we chose to live our lives. It is not wise to go through life thinking that nothing can touch you, as it may prevent you from taking proper care of your body. None of us can be sure of what the future will bring, but in the meantime, why not live responsibly and take care of our bodies in an attempt to live until a ripe old age?
As Tony Soprano, Gandolfini will be remembered as the physically imposing, yet complex mafia boss who controlled his underworld empire with an iron-like fist. Yet, there is something else out there that was even bigger and deadlier than Tony Soprano could ever be. I am referring to cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of both men and women in the United States.
Falling Victim to Heart Disease
By all accounts from close friends and family, James Gandolfini was a loving and charismatic individual in real life. He was loved by many and had an excellent sense of humor. However, he also was known for being overweight, a regular smoker, and a man who enjoyed his pasta and desserts. These particular lifestyle choices made him a prime target for this highly efficient silent killer.
Currently, there is an estimated 600,000+ that will fall victim to heart disease in the United States each year. The death of Gandolfini should help to attract a little more attention to the dangers that we face from cardiovascular disease and related medical conditions. This is a killer that does not pick favorites, you could fall victim to heart disease no matter who you are. It is important that you learn the risk factors now, so that you can take action to protect yourself.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
The rise in obesity has been linked to the elevated rates of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and atherosclerosis (hardened arteries). Smoking cigarettes and other form of tobacco regularly is also considered to be a major risk factor for heart disease. By looking at the lifestyle choices of Gandolfini, one can now see how it contributed to this sort of untimely end. He loved to eat, smoking fine cigars, stayed too heavy, and didn't exercise regularly.
Luckily, we also know how people can protect themselves and their hearts from the development of cardiovascular disease. First off, it is not like you can never eat the foods you really love or even enjoy a fine cigar every now and then. The key is to enjoy these things in moderation and to remember to limit the amount of fat you consume and make sure you get plenty of regular exercise.
Alternative Steps to Stay Healthy
Clinical studies have also shown the benefits that can be gained from eating more Omega-3 fatty acids and soluble/insoluble fiber. These items can help protect your heart and improve your overall health. Other things like green tea and herbal supplements can also ensure better heart health and longer life, though a person's lifestyle choices still make the biggest difference.
There is no doubt that Gandolfini will be greatly missed, but we should remember that none of us will live forever. Our time on this planet can depend greatly on how we chose to live our lives. It is not wise to go through life thinking that nothing can touch you, as it may prevent you from taking proper care of your body. None of us can be sure of what the future will bring, but in the meantime, why not live responsibly and take care of our bodies in an attempt to live until a ripe old age?
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