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“Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in Ireland accounting for over 7,000 deaths annually.” (CHAIR - Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Register) (a) Identify and elaborate on (i) the lifestyle changes and (ii) the dietary guidelines that should be followed in order to reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2007
Question 2
“Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in Ireland accounting for over 7,000 deaths annually.” (CHAIR - Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Regi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:“Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in Ireland accounting for over 7,000 deaths annually.” (CHAIR - Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Register) (a) Identify and elaborate on (i) the lifestyle changes and (ii) the dietary guidelines that should be followed in order to reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2007
Step 1
Identify and elaborate on (i) the lifestyle changes
Answer
To reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), individuals should maintain a healthy lifestyle by focusing on several key areas:
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Diet and Nutrition: It is essential to maintain a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and high in nutrients. This means avoiding processed foods that are high in trans fats and sugars.
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Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol, thus reducing heart disease risk.
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Avoiding Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking is a major risk factor for CHD. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can greatly improve cardiovascular health.
Step 2
Identify and elaborate on (ii) the dietary guidelines
Answer
The dietary guidelines that should be followed include:
- Reduce Saturated Fat Intake: Opt for low-fat dairy products and lean meats, and limit the intake of foods high in saturated fats.
- Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Include fish like salmon and sardines in the diet to improve heart health.
- Consume Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables: Aim to fill half the plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, as they are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Limit Salt and Sugar: Reducing intake of processed foods can minimize salt and sugar levels in the diet.
Step 3
Plan a day’s menu for a person suffering from CHD. Include one functional food in the menu and state a reason for its inclusion.
Answer
Sample Menu for a Day
- Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with fresh berries (functional food) and a teaspoon of honey.
- Snack: A small handful of almonds.
- Lunch: Grilled salmon salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette dressing.
- Snack: Carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus.
- Dinner: Quinoa with black beans, steamed broccoli, and grilled chicken breast.
Functional Food: Berries
Berries are a functional food because they are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals while being low in calories.
Step 4
Write an informative account of cholesterol.
Answer
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the body. It is produced by the liver and also obtained from certain foods. Cholesterol is vital for the formation of cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D.
However, imbalances in cholesterol levels can lead to health issues. There are two main types of cholesterol:
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, high levels of LDL can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as 'good' cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.
Maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol is crucial, as proper balance can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity and a diet low in saturated fats can promote healthy cholesterol levels.