Final answer:
To prevent atherosclerosis and promote cardiovascular health, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, consuming a diet low in saturated fats, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables are recommended.
Step-by-step explanation:
To promote cardiovascular health and prevent atherosclerosis, a nurse should include the following recommendations in their health program:
- Engage in regular physical activity: It's advised to be active for at least 60 minutes a day, five days a week, which helps keep the heart healthy.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Controlling body weight through adequate diet and exercise is crucial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking cessation is essential since tobacco use is a significant contributor to cardiovascular problems.
- Consume a diet low in saturated fats: A diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol can increase body cholesterol levels, leading to plaque buildup in the arteries.
- Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fish can help prevent heart disease.
It is important to note that recommendations such as consuming a high-saturated-fat diet and limiting the intake of fruits and vegetables are not conducive to cardiovascular health and should not be included in the program.