Study: Lifestyle counseling reduces heart risks

Intensive lifestyle counseling may help people at high risk for heart disease, a new British study suggests. In the trial, more than 5,000 people were divided into two groups. One received counseling on issues such as diet, physical activity, and smoking along with usual care, and the other was given only usual care. Researchers found that the counseling group reduced their intake of saturated fat and increased their consumption of heart-healthy foods more than those who didn't receive the counseling. Similar results were seen for blood pressure, cholesterol, and physical activity, but patients still had difficulty quitting smoking.  Read full story >