Uncle Billy likes to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and eat in a lot of fast food restaurants (McDonalds, Wendys, Pizza, etc). Sadly, Uncle Billy lives alone in Michigan.

Explain how Uncle Billy's unhealthy lifestyle could lead to the cardiovascular diseases discussed in class.

•Give Uncle Billy some tips on how to prevent the diseases.

Answer: Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol has been linked to heart disease and related conditions, such as atherosclerosis. Also too much salt (sodium) in the diet can raise blood pressure. Not getting enough physical activity can lead to heart disease.

Explanation: Diet is an important risk factor in coronary heart disease. Heavy drinking may well increase heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and high blood pressure. A limit for men is 2 drinks a day, for women 1 drink a day.