Listen to Dr. Wayne Andersen’s interview on The Fallon Forum as he discusses how to create Optimal Health and explains the simple steps necessary to live a longer, healthier life!

1. Omega-3 (essential)
2. Omega-6 fatty acids (promotes inflammation)

There are 3 types of Omega-3 fatty acids:
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)

Because essential fatty acids (ALA, DHA, EPA) are not made in the body or are inefficiently converted from ALA to EPA and DHA, we need to get them from our diet.  Medifast developed our Essential 1: Heart Health product because Omega-3 is very helpful in the population that we serve.  Omega-3-rich supplements may improve blood lipid levels of people with metabolic syndrome, reducing the risks of developing serious health problems.

DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found mostly in seafood like salmon, tuna, and shellfish, though some can also be found in algae — the same food some fish eat. Essential to the healthy brains of adults, DHA is also vital to the development of a child’s nervous system and vision.

EPA is found mostly in cold-water fish and fish oils. Like DHA, EPA is studied for its uses in aiding bipolar depression, lowering cancer risks, and reducing the risks of macular degeneration. Of the three fatty acids, EPA and DHA are the ones the body finds most easy to use. Experts suggest we get the bulk of our omega-3 fatty acids from DHA and EPA sources, such as fish, supplements, and some functional foods like margarine.

Clinical evidence is strongest for heart disease and problems that contribute to heart disease.  Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support healthy circulation through veins and arteries and help ensure that blood platelets glide across each other properly, which can reduce arterial plaque build-up.

Omega-3 fatty acids also may have a protective role against asthma, depression, many types of cancers and have been associated with the health of hair, skin and nails as well.

The American Heart Association recommends the following dietary recommendations for Omega-3 fatty acid intake; all adults without a history of CHD should consume fish, particularly fatty fish, 2-3 times per week. Patients with CHD disease should consume approximately 1 g/day of EPA+DHA preferably from oily fish or 1 gram daily of EPA+DHA supplement and physician approval. Patients with high triglycerides and high cholesterol should consume 2 to 4 grams of EPA+DHA per day provided as capsules with physicians approval.

If an individual has a fish allergy or is pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or planning any medical procedures they should consult their physician. Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the effects of blood thinning medications, including aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and clopedigrel (Plavix). Taking aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in some circumstances (such as in heart disease), but they should only be taken together under the supervision of a health care provider.

The Essential 1 Heart Health Super Omega-3 dietary supplement is superior to other products in the market place. Our product contains 1,200 mg of EPA + DHA as well as 100 mg of flaxseed oil, one of the highest concentrations available and is third party tested for purity. The Essential 1 Heart Health Super Omega-3 dietary supplement is made from wild caught sardines and anchovies from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The fish oil is highly purified and free of mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls and other contaminants. Another great thing about our Essential 1: Heart HealthOmega-3 dietary supplement is also ultra refined and deodorized to eliminate fish burps. Another great way to minimize and/or reduce fish burps and aftertaste is to store the Essential 1 Heart Health Super Omega-3 dietary supplement in the freezer and to take it with food.

Each serving of the Essential 1 Heart Health Super Omega-3 dietary supplement is non-kosher and contains non-vegetarian gelatin and provides 25 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 0 carbohydrates per serving.

If you could choose Optimal Health, would you? Of course you would!

Achieving Optimal Health is Now Possible

Optimal Health is a whole new approach to well-being that is based on creating health with the Take Shape For Life Program. Three unique components (your Health Coach, the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan,

and the Habits of Health) create the foundation and long-term support that will guide you along your journey. As you work toward Optimal Health, you’ll learn to make the choices that will help you

take charge of your health for the long term. Reaching a healthy weight is just the beginning—there is much more to come.

The Path to a Longer, Healthier Life

Take Shape For Life is more than fast, safe, effective weight loss—it’s your key to better health “For Life.” Six simple steps will get you headed there. Take Shape For Life is a thriving, vibrant grass-roots movement of Health Coaches, Health Professionals, and Clients who are redefining the path to health and well-being. Welcome and congratulations on deciding to change your life; we’re glad you are joining us!

We previously covered the first four steps that will help you reach a healthy weight and create the foundation for Optimal Health and a more fulfilling life. Now, let’s look at steps 5 & 6.i

STEP 5

Optimizing Health for Your Age

(Months to Years)

Developing an Optimization Strategy:

• You have reached and are maintaining a healthy weight.

• You are now exercising (such as walking and weight training) for at least 30 minutes each day.

• You are developing an anti-inflammatory strategy to minimize cardiovascular risk

(chapter 19 in Dr. A’s Habits of Health).

• You are optimizing your nutritional intake and utilizing recommended supplementation to support your health, such as including Essential1®: Heart Health (chapter 20 in Dr. A’s Habits of Health). For more information and advice, please contact the Take Shape For Life Nutrition Support Team.

• You are effectively managing stress and working with your Health Coach to ensure you are organizing your life around what matters most to you (chapter 21 in Dr. A’s Habits of Health)!

Recommended readings: Chapters 19 – 21 in Dr. A’s Habits of Health and Lessons 15 – 17 in Living a Longer Healthier Life.

STEP 6

Living a Longer, Healthier Life

(Months to Years)

You are almost there:

• You are developing your personal longevity strategy.

• You are reaching for Ultra Health.

• You are learning how to develop ultimate energy control (chapter 24 in Dr. A’s Habits of Health).

• You are learning to protect your brain function to support your healthy body

(chapter 25 in Dr. A’s Habits of Health).

• You continue to work with your Health Coach to help you lead a longer, healthier life and thrive!

Recommended readings: Chapters 22 – 26 in Dr. A’s Habits of Health.

Now, you have probably realized that I have only covered two of the six steps tonight. If you would like a copy of the notes covering Steps 1 through 4, visit Dr A’s website at www.drwayneandersen.com . Steps 1 & 2 can be found in the “blog” section, from May 3, 2011. Steps 3 & 4 can be found from the home page.  Scroll down to the bottom and select “Optimal Health is A Journey.” Also, you can contact your health coach and ask them how to obtain your copy of the new brochure, “The Path to a Longer, Healthier Life.”