Floyd Larsen World Heart Day Interview

Floyd Larsen World Heart Day Interview

According to new market research released today, a majority (72%) of Australian parents of young children are at increased risk of high cholesterol due to weight gain or reduced exercise, with 64% of parents not considering their health as often now that they have children.

World Heart Day was on 29th September and an online survey of over 1000 parents of children aged 11 years and under was conducted by Metamucil and Heart Research Australia to uncover how the life changes that accompany parenthood impact health and wellbeing. In particular, the risk factors that contribute to high cholesterol levels were evaluated.

Of the parents surveyed, four in ten (40%) admitted to never having their cholesterol checked or were unsure if they had ever had their cholesterol checked - more so among women (46%) than men (34%).

'What some people don't realise is that lowering your cholesterol levels is a step towards reducing your risk of heart disease," explains Heart Research Australia CEO Floyd Larsen.

The right amount of dietary fibre can play an important role in lowering cholesterol, yet only 1% of parents are aware of what they need to consume to meet the recommended daily intake of 25 to 30 grams of fibre. On average, most Australians do not get enough fibre in their diet.

'These findings provide a timely reminder of the importance of regular exercise and balanced eating when it comes to maintaining good health. By taking simple steps to improve your heart health like getting a cholesterol check and increasing your fibre intake to help lower cholesterol, you're putting your best foot forward for yourself and your family," Mrs Larsen said.

Heart Research Australia has recently approved psyllium husk fibre supplement Metamucil to help lower cholesterol when consumed as directed on the label, in conjunction with a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol.

When it comes to other risk factors for heart disease, parents of young children need to also pay attention. One in four parents (27%) said they have a family history of high cholesterol and one in three of those that report multiple risk factors to high cholesterol have never had their cholesterol level checked.

'For these reasons it is important that parents start to move their heart health up on their list of priorities," added Mrs Larsen.

The news is not all bad however as it appears parents of young children are making an effort when it comes to eating and drinking. Most parents (77%) say the meals they eat are at least as healthy if not more healthy than in their pre-children days and around half (48%) have reduced their alcohol consumption since having children.

The risk factors for high cholesterol levels identified by Mayo Clinic US are: Smoking
Obesity
Lack of exercise
High blood pressure
Poor diet including a lack of fibre intake
Family history

Interview with Mrs Floyd Larsen, CEO Heart Research Australia

Question: Can you talk us through why parents of young children are more at risk of high cholesterol levels and cholesterol levels now?

Mrs Floyd Larsen : We found that parents (more so mothers) are more stressed, have gained weight and have less time to exercise than before becoming a parent. Reduced physical activity and obesity are risk factors for high cholesterol.


Question: What increases the risks for parents?

Mrs Floyd Larsen : As a parent myself I remember after the birth of my daughter my priorities shifted. I focused less on myself and put my child's health above my own. We found this was the case in our online survey with 64% of parents not considering their health as often as they had prior to becoming a parent.


Question: Why are the risks increased for parents of young children more so than those with older children?

Mrs Floyd Larsen : We focused on parents of younger children because we were interested in understanding if their health priorities change once becoming parents.


Question: What can parents do to naturally lower their cholesterol levels?

Mrs Floyd Larsen : Parents can make changes and progress towards lowering their cholesterol today. Regular exercise and a diet high in fibre and low in saturated fats and cholesterol is a good way to start.


Question: And, how can Australians, who are not parents, also lower their cholesterol levels?

Mrs Floyd Larsen : The same changes can be made by all Australians. As a nation we need to move our heart health up in our priorities.

Question: What do you hope Australian parents learn for World Heart Day?

Mrs Floyd Larsen : I hope they learn that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia - in fact the World. The World Heart Federations states that by the year 2030 more than 23 million people will die of the disease every year – that's Australia's population, dying each year.


Question: Were you surprised by the results of this survey?

Mrs Floyd Larsen : Yes we found that 40% of our survey respondents had not had their cholesterol checked or did not know if they had. As a risk factor for heart disease and with heart disease being Australia's biggest killer – that's alarming.


Question: How can we have our cholesterol levels checked?

Mrs Floyd Larsen : You can check your cholesterol by visiting your GP and getting a blood test. That way you know what you are dealing with and you can maintain or amend your lifestyle and diet based on the results.


Question: How does fibre play a role in lowering cholesterol?

Mrs Floyd Larsen : Fibre works with your body's natural detox process to aid the removal of toxins from your digestive system due to its cleansing effect.


Question: How can we include more fibre in our diet?
Mrs Floyd Larsen : Sources of soluble fibre include red kidney beans, oat bran and psyllium husks.


Interview by Brooke Hunter