Gold medalist ice skater Peggy Fleming has teamed up with Affinion to dispense sensible health advice on the internet. In conjunction with Affinion’s Health Saver program, Peggy Fleming speaks out how to avoid cardiovascular disease, which account for 40% of deaths in the United States, and is a bigger killer than all forms of cancer combined. Peggy Fleming points out that though 1 in 3 Americans have high blood pressure, only 68% of these people with high blood pressure are aware of their condition.

Peggy Fleming ticks off the most obvious ways to prevent cardiovascular disease: maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking. The key to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, Fleming explains, is maintaining a healthy blood pressure. As the risk of high blood pressure increases with age, it is essential that you control your intake of salt and fatty foods in your diet. She also explains that fatty tissue gained with excess weight can cause an increase in blood pressure.

The body already creates enough cholesterol. With a high-cholesterol diet and non-active lifestyle, the excess cholesterol will form fatty deposits within the blood vessels, making it tough for the blood to flow. If a blood vessel ruptures or gets blocked, the brain will not get enough oxygen, and a stroke is possible. The way to avoid this is limited the amount of saturated and trans fat you eat. Peggy Fleming suggests, “Swap cookies for cantaloupe, fried chicken for baked chicken and butter for olive oil. Your diet should include foods rich in fiber, such as citrus fruits, beans, broccoli and whole grains.”

Peggy Fleming, a spokesperson for Affinion’s HealthSaver, won the gold medal for figure skating in the 1968 Olympics. Along with a successful career as a sportscaster, television actor, and spokesperson for worthy causes such as anti-poaching in Africa, Peggy Fleming launched a career that has helped promote healthy living, breast cancer awareness and osteoporosis prevention
About HealthSaver

HealthSaver, brought to you by Affinion, offers deep discounts on a wide range of medical services and products. Discounts include 20% on vision care, 10% to 50% percent on prescriptions at participating pharmacies, and 20% off complementary and alternative health care treatments and fitness club benefits. HealthSaver can also save you money on dental care, vitamins and supplements by mail. More information about HealthSaver is available online at www.healthsaver.com or toll free by calling 1-800-7HEALTH (1-800-743-2584). HealthSaver is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans.