It doesn't take more than one bad habit to become one of the millions of Americans who suffer from cardiovascular diseases.
Last Wednesday evening, the Graduate Student Center hosted an event where students got advice on how to avoid these kinds of bad habits.
As part of the GSC's "Life and Self-Development Series," the event entitled "Eat Cheap, Be Healthy and Cook Easy" attracted around 25 students.
Rose Covalesky, a cardiologist who works at the Cardiovascular Institute of Philadelphia, and Rachel Griehs, a nutritionist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, led the discussion.
The talk hit close to home for many of those in attendance who face the pressure of managing their own diets.
"There is so much information about what foods are too fatty, what foods are too high in sodium ... it was nice to hear it all condensed into language that I could trust and understand," said Melissa Pohl, a student at the Graduate School of Education.
Covalesky and Griehs discussed some of the more obvious ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, such as maintaining a healthy diet, checking cholesterol levels frequently and avoiding smoking.
"It is important to figure out which risk factors apply most directly to you," Covalesky said.
The two focused most of their discussion on issues that students face in a college setting.
"Even though many young adults look healthy on the outside, many, including athletes, are already developing bad habits that will impact them in the long run," Griehs said.
Covalesky cited weightlifting, an activity college students often rely on as their primary form of exercise, as something that can actually put strain on the arteries.
Even individuals who jog or play sports frequently are at risk of heart disease if exercise is not combined with a healthy diet.
"Some people think they are in great shape ... but I know skinny joggers who have had angioplasties before individuals who are 300 pounds did," Covalesky said.
The two also emphasized how easy it is to fall into bad eating habits at Penn, as fast food becomes the convenient alternative to carefully prepared meals and a well-planned diet.
"Students find it easier to order a pizza at night, but what people don't realize is that by spending a little extra effort in choosing foods, you may not only improve your health, but your concentration as well," Covalesky said.
To demonstrate some heart- healthy meals that students could prepare themselves, Michael O'Lloran, head chef at the White Dog Cafe, handed out recipes for a popular salmon dish.
The dish was then prepared in front of those attending and samples were distributed.
Following their presentation, Covalesky and Griehs took questions from graduate students, many of whom asked for personal dietary advice.
The event was sponsored by the Graduate Student Center, the Cardiovascular Institute of Philadelphia and the White Dog Cafe.
