On Valentine’s Day you probably made someone else’s heart happy by giving a card, a bouquet of flowers or some chocolate. Now, it’s time to pay some attention to your own heart.
What are you doing to make sure the most important muscle in your body is as fit as it can be?
 |
Join the Discussion |
 |
Post a Comment |
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., with one in every three deaths attributed to heart disease and stroke. That is 2,200 deaths per day. Many of those deaths could possibly been avoided with healthier lifestyle choices.
The biggest risk factor for heart disease — 53 percent — was inactivity, according to statistics gathered by the National Center for Health between 2005 and 2008.
Obesity was next at 34 percent, followed by high blood pressure at 32 percent and cigarette smoking at 21 percent.
It is easy to see how important it is to get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet and refrain from smoking.
But there is one more way to take care of your heart.
Decrease stress • While researchers have differing opinions of whether stress can increase the risk of heart disease, most agree a high-stress lifestyle causes individuals to overeat, avoid exercise and participate in unhealthy habits such as smoking. Additionally, stress can cause an increase in heart rate and release hormones that put one into the "fight or flight" mode, both of which are taxing to the body.
To reduce your stress level, take a few minutes in the morning to do some deep breathing, allowing the lower belly to fill with air before the chest. At the end of a hectic day, spend a few minutes "coming down" from the demands of work and family. Participate in a yoga or tai chi class. Or do some more deep breathing; it can do wonders to foster a healthier outlook.
Remember to follow those familiar phrases: "Don’t sweat the small stuff" and "Let it go." Stop dwelling on negative actions and perceived wrongs. Quit fuming over small incidents such as a rude waiter or slow driver. Those thoughts put unnecessary stress on your heart.
Try to create some peaceful time in your day. Rather than focus on the wrongs, focus on what you can make right. Your heart will be happier, and a little healthier, for it.
Lya Wodraska is a certified CHEK Practitioner and Holistic Lifestyl Coach. Reach her at Lwodraska@sltrib.com,
Facebook.com/lyatribune or Twitter: @LyaWodraska.
Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
