Did You Know, Colorado? July 9, 2014

• Thirty-four leading scientists have come together to affirm the scientific basis for lowering current population sodium intake in order to prevent heart disease and stroke. For more information: consensus statement; June 24 press release
• Reducing the sodium Americans eat by 1,200 mg per day on average could save up to $20 billion a year in medical costs. When adult Coloradans were asked about their salt consumption, 31% said that they try to keep track of their salt intake daily, 15% said that a doctor or other health professional has ever advised them to reduce salt intake, and 35% said that they always or usually shop for low salt items when such an option is available.^* These percentages, in general, increased with age and were higher for persons aware of having high blood pressure.
• Furthermore, 11% of adult Coloradans said that they eat processed meats at least once per day.^* Younger age groups were more likely to say that they eat processed meats daily (e.g., 20% of Coloradans aged 18­–24 years).
• The American Heart Association recently launched a private online community for Sodium Reduction Leaders, which serves as resource for information about sodium, responses to sodium news, and related materials.

* Data source for Colorado data: 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
For more information about chronic disease data in Colorado, contact Renee Calanan.