adage `You are what you eat' has never been more accurate.

And while mindful that health is influenced by genetics, environment and lifestyle, longterm studies show a good diet can prevent conditions such as heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis, all which affect women.

Although an American study, the same applies to Bermuda according to a local registered nurse who says that poor eating habits and stress are the cause of 90 percent of the Island's health problems.

"It's been my experience that a lot of Bermudians indulge a lot more than they should,'' said Elizabeth Lawrence. "Most love foods which smell great and taste delicious, but are very high in fat and cholesterol. It's not that they don't know, they would just rather have pleasure than be concerned about their health.'' High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, stress, excess weight and inadequate exercise all contribute to heart disease, said Mrs. Lawrence.

"Among these, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and excess weight are all diet-related and are therefore somewhat under our control...it is clear that appropriate changes in diet and lifestyle adjustments, such as regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease.'' Changes, she added, should include a reduced intake of fats, especially saturated fats, a limited intake of cholesterol, an increased intake of dietary fibre and complex carbohydrates, a reduction in salt, increased amounts of fruit and vegetables and a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids -- obtained from cold water fish.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US with breast and colon cancer the two most prevalent forms of cancer in women. Both are related to high fat, low-fibre diets. But cancer also poses greatest risk to those with a family history of the disease, those who don't eat many fruits and vegetables and those who smoke or who are frequently exposed to second-hand smoke.

"We can reduce our risk by adapting our lifestyles and reducing our exposure to known carcinogens in our environment,'' said Mrs. Lawrence. "We can also ensure that our diet include protective factors such as fibre, vitamins A, C and E and carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables. It's also important to reduce one's intake of cured and charbroiled foods and, of course, not to smoke.'' Osteoporosis, a gradual but severe loss of bone mass that leaves them more fragile and susceptible to injury or fracture, is more common among American women in their middle and later years, than heart attacks, strokes, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Just being a female places one at risk, but contributing factors include a diet low in calcium, smoking, regular consumption of caffeine and alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle.

Mrs. Lawrence, said she often delivers such information through talks for seminar groups and at schools, but she said the information, and her advice, often go unheeded.

"Nine times out of ten, they listen to what I say, but when I leave, the message goes with me,'' she said. "However, 90 percent of people who go to doctors in Bermuda have stress or diet-related problems. Your health is a reflection of what you put inside your body.'' HEALTH HTH