Heart Matters

Happy Heart Health Month! 

A healthy heart is often a happy heart, and we now know that a happy heart is more likely to be a healthy heart! Research indicates that depression is more indicative of heart problems than the traditional factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity.  Take time to cultivate more joy, play, laughter, and love in your life for a healthier heart. 

We do, however, need to consider factors such as blood pressure, family predisposition to heart disease, arrhythmias, and HDLvs. LDLcholesterol levels. These considerations are key components to heart health. Statistics show that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and the second leading cause of death in men. More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined! So it is certainly worth investigating strategies that can prevent and combat heart issues. 

Perhaps to your surprise, we are not suggesting that you get screened if you are not having symptoms. According to Dr. Patrick O’Malley, an internist at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Maryland, “There are no ‘heart tests’ that any asymptomatic man or woman should get,” “There are many that are done which they shouldn’t get.” 

These tests include: ECG (EKG), Stress Test, Carotid Ultrasound, Echocardiogram, and Cardiac CT Scan. These have been shown to be both costly and ineffective on healthy individuals. 

Cardiologist Rita Redberg of the University of California, San Francisco, affirms “Tests do not prevent heart disease. To prevent heart disease, women (and men) should eat healthy diets with lots of fruits and vegetables, get regular physical activity and not smoke.” 

The American Heart Association also recommends regular check-ups for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Naturally, cardiac symptoms should be discussed with your physician. 

Another way to strengthen the heart is through compassion meditation, a component of mindfulness. Research at HeartMath shows the important function of the vagus nerve which is a looping conduit from the brain to the heart. HeartMath has documented that the heart influences the brain more than the reverse! Practicing compassion meditation provides relaxation,  helps to positively alter the brain and even strengthens the heart’s defenses! 

Lastly, we want to highlight the fundamental principle of love.  In developing love in our hearts, we must begin with ourselves. How can we love others (and enjoy the wonderful benefits thereof) if we don’t love ourselves first?  We invite you to bring more self-nurturance, play, fun, and humor into your life. These components enrich us and studies support their value in a long, healthy life. May you know abundant love and joy! 

Strategies for Heart Health 

ü     Exercise - at least 30 minutes most days  – brief walks work well.

ü     Mindful meditation and yoga – Join us for our classes. (see below)

ü     Working less

ü     Foods – bananas, kidney beans, orange juice, avocado, broccoli.

ü     Reduction – salt, fat, and alcohol in your diet.

ü     Weight loss – even if you are not overweight, losing just a few pounds may be beneficial.

ü     Supplements – Hawthorne, Magnesium, Potassium, Hibiscus, Co-Q10, and many others!

ü     Vitamins – C, D, E, B-Complex, Folic Acid, Niacin

ü     Minerals – Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium

ü     Good Nutrition/Clean Eating – check out the Mediterranean Diet

ü     Massage and Reflexology 

Resources 

Mindfulness Classes with Dennis beginning this Thursday (2/23/12) at7pmfor 5 weeks. Call to register! 

Gentle Yoga Classes with Angela beginning Monday, February 20^th at6pm for 4 weeks. Call to register! 

American Heart Association- http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG 

JIAO – check out this amazing foot reflexology/massage service in Atlanta– great prices, great service! http://jiaoatlanta.com 

Always talk with your doctor before utilizing any services to make sure it is right for you! 

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Be well,

Angela and Dennis 

P.S. Check out our updated Keynote Speaking page. See menu above.