The true dangers of heart disease denial

In the 1993 movie “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” every time Prince John appears on screen, the large mole on his face is in a different spot. His right-hand man finally points this out, saying, “Your majesty, stop me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t your mole on the other side?” Prince John responds: “I have a mole?”

The prince’s denial of this glaring facial feature is comical. But it’s no laughing matter that many of you are ignoring more serious health problems.

In a survey, researchers gathered information on over 45,000 people’s heart-attack risk factors: high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, smoking, chronic stress, lack of exercise, poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption.

Participants also were asked what they should do to improve their physical health. Almost three-quarters of respondents said they should improve their health, but around 55 per cent of those folks also said there were barriers to doing so, such as lack of willpower (numero uno!) and time. And almost 20 per cent of people with five or more risk factors didn’t see any need to improve their health!

You have the POWER to change every risk factor. But don’t think you should do it alone!

Enlist a workout buddy or a supportive friend; get your doc’s help with seeing a diabetes educator, nutritionist and/ or physical therapist; for help with addictions, find a support group.

You’ll reduce your risk of diabetes, depression, some cancers, a lousy sex life – and don’t forget heart disease! And have that mole looked at, too.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare.com.