Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the broad term for a group of diseases that typically coexist within a person and are interrelated. Examples include: About 1 in 3 Americans has at least one type of CVD. Prevention is the best treatment because CVD kills more people than cancer, accidents, and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. CVD risk factors are a mix …
Worry vs Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever worried about leaving the iron on or forgetting to lock your car? Or do you worry about not finishing a task on time? Or worry that your job was in jeopardy? Everyone experiences these feelings from time to time. Worry and anxiety, are a part of the human experience and can be big or small. Everyone experiences …
Scare Off Unhealthy Habits
Halloween is a time for costumes, spooky decorations and sweet treats, but for those watching their heart health, it can feel like a haunted house of unhealthy choices. With sugar overload and calorie-packed snacks, your cardiovascular system can take a hit. But fear not! With a little planning (and perhaps a dash of willpower), you can enjoy the festivities while …
Log Your Blood Pressure to Manage Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues. One of the most effective strategies for managing hypertension is consistently logging your blood pressure. This practice provides valuable insights into your health, helps you understand the effects of lifestyle choices and medications, and aids in making …
What You Can Do About Inflammation
Inflammation, the body’s natural response to injury or infection, plays a crucial role in the development and progression of heart disease. While acute inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process, chronic inflammation can be detrimental, contributing to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. This buildup can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Understanding the …
Sunshine, Mood, and Your Heart
Sunshine has long been associated with positive moods and well-being, and there is substantial scientific evidence supporting this connection. Exposure to sunlight influences our mood through various physiological and psychological mechanisms, playing a crucial role in mental health. Sunshine Improves Mood One of the primary ways sunlight improves mood is through the production of vitamin D. When our skin is …
Rest Easy- A Simple Way to Improve Your Sleep
Are you consistently logging 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, only to wake up feeling tired and groggy? Are you asking yourself why do I sleep so much and never feel rested? If so, you may be experiencing the effects of a potentially serious yet treatable condition known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized …
Let’s Hear It For Worrying!
Some minds rarely take a rest—thoughts keep whirring, even throughout the night. What if you could let worrying and mental rumination work to your advantage? Worrying, often perceived negatively, can have positive aspects when managed appropriately. Feelings at the Root of Thoughts “He who fears he shall suffer already suffers what he fears” is a well-known quote attributed to the …
Meditation for Health
You have probably heard of meditation, although what meditation actually means can be unclear, as it means different things to different people. While there are many styles, techniques, and traditions, almost all meditation includes a practice of focusing or clearing the mind by quietly witnessing your thoughts and feelings and external stimuli without getting caught up in them. Meditation practices …
Move From Healthcare to Self Care!
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the broad term for a group of diseases that typically coexist and include: About 1 in 3 Americans has at least one type of CVD. Prevention is the best treatment because CVD kills more people than cancer, accidents, and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. CVD risk factors are a mix of modifiable and non-modifiable influences. Modifiable …