In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 80% of premature heart disease and strokes are preventable,1 Fresh Avocados – Love One Today® (LOT)® and the nonprofit Walk with a Doc (WWAD) are teaming up to promote physical activity and healthy eating to help improve the heart health of the nation. Working together on grassroots education initiatives designed to reduce risk factors, the partnership strives to help decrease the 16 million heart attacks, strokes and related heart-threatening events that the CDC predicts could happen by 2022.
Through its 425 chapters in the United States and estimated 10,000 volunteers, WWAD reaches an estimated 200,000 consumers annually via 1:1 interaction at community walks and digital communications about healthy living. Moving into their 15th anniversary year, the nonprofit is expanding its focus to include the role of good nutrition, leading with how heart-healthy, fresh avocados provide naturally good fats and are cholesterol-, sugar- and sodium- free.
“Just in time to check in on New Year’s Resolutions, we are coming out with new resources to support everyday goals to live a healthier lifestyle,” said Dr. David Sabgir, cardiologist and founder of Walk with a Doc. “Adding ten minutes of walking to your daily routine and swapping out bad fats with good fats at mealtime can be small, easy changes that can make a big difference in the health of your heart. Our team of volunteer health professionals recognizes with me the value of adding nutrition education to our community walks. Delicious, heart-healthy avocados are a great partner as they contain naturally good fats which provide heart health benefits without sacrificing taste and satisfaction.”
As part of the partnership, walk leaders will have access to the latest research on avocado nutrition. This includes news of a recent clinical study of 45 overweight/obese adults that explored whether eating a diet with one avocado a day would reduce oxidative stress markers for LDL cholesterol and improve antioxidant status when compared to a low fat diet or a moderate fat oil diet. This research is part of Love One Today®, a science-based food and wellness education program.
