Holiday Heart Health: Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

By Chris McCormick

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During the holiday season, thoughts about what to buy our loved ones or best ways to host our family and friends are usually prioritized over our general health. Holiday indulgences and lazy afternoons spent in a cozy couch seem more appealing than strapping on our trainers to go for a winter run outside. However much we like to ignore what we know works best for our health, taking preventative measures against major risks for cardiovascular disease saves money and stress later on. Plan ahead this year by living a heart healthy life.

Here are five major risks for cardiovascular disease:

1. Uncontrolled stress and anger indicates poor ability to cope with emotions and responsibility. Everyone gets upset or overworked, yet those who release their emotions in healthy and acceptable ways live longer with prosperity.

If you find yourself angry most of the time, take a moment to consider why you are angry. Find a healthy way to express your anger, such as talking calmly with a friend or professional therapist, going on a run, or writing in a journal. Perhaps your anger comes from being over-stressed?

Accepting what can be done and what cannot, along with asking for help will alleviate stress and minimize anger. Asking for support helps more than constantly coping alone with major stressors in our lives.

If one refuses to address stress and anger problems, coping with unhealthy habits never works as long term solution.

2. Smoking increases risks for cardiovascular disease and accounts for over 2.4 million preventable deaths in the United States (American Heart Association).

Consider quitting for the health of those around you and for yourself.

3. One in every three Americans are considered obese (cdc.gov), with a body mass index of 21 or more. Sedentary lifestyle combined with binge eating leads one to increased body mass.

An obese individual must consult a nutritionist and physician for a prompt physical assessment. Obesity contributes to high LDL cholesterol, a correlating factor to heart attacks.

4. Contributing risks to cardiovascular disease increase as one ages, adjusts to menopause, is of male gender, African American decent, or has a family history of heart attacks.

5. Sedentary lifestyle, or an inactive person, contributes to cardiovascular disease. Walking thirty minutes a day, or doing one hour of housework a day, provides a platform for healthy living. Those who are risk for diabetes benefit from exercise, as it increases insulin sensitivity.

Whole grains, vegetables, and fruits from local, organic markets provide optimal nutrition, will minimize global warming as well as support local farmers. Commuting three to five times a week by walking or biking increases activity and will boost positive endorphins. Through conscious consumption, combined with happy, healthy living, one prevents the heart disease.