A nurse is counseling a client on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Which recommendation is appropriate?

PRIMARY PREVENTION of cardiovascular disease (preventing it before it develops) focuses on LIFESTYLE: REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (e.g., ~150 min/week moderate); a HEART-HEALTHY DIET (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein; limit saturated/trans fats, sodium, added sugars); SMOKING CESSATION; maintaining a HEALTHY WEIGHT; limiting alcohol; managing stress. NCLEX-RN health promotion. PREVENTION LEVELS: PRIMARY (prevent disease — lifestyle, immunizations); SECONDARY (early detection — screening); TERTIARY (manage existing disease, prevent complications — rehab). For a client without disease, lifestyle modification is primary prevention; medications would be later if needed. Promoting heart-healthy lifestyle for primary prevention is a key tested concept.