The Particulars: Previous research indicates that maintaining an ideal body weight, consuming a healthy diet, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, and tobacco cessation can reduce the risk of hypertension. Little is known about the association of healthcare providers’ demographics and personal behaviors and how they influence their recommendations for adults to follow these lifestyle behaviors.
Data Breakdown: Researchers surveyed 1,253 primary care providers (PCPs). PCPs who exercised daily and ate at least 5 cups of fruits or vegetables per day for 4 days or more per week were more likely recommend healthy lifestyle behaviors to their patients when compared with those who did not exercise or consumed only adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables.
Take Home Pearls: PCPs who practice lifestyle behaviors that can help prevent hypertension appear to be more likely than those who do not to offer clinical recommendations to patients for preventing hypertension.
