Sunshine, Mood, and Your Heart

cardiogram Heart Health

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 

cardiogram Cardiogram, Heart Health, Heart IQ, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep, Uncategorized

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!

cardiogram Cardiogram, Heart Health, Heart IQ, Recipes, Stress

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 …

Women’s Heart Health and Stress

cardiogram Blood Pressure, Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Health, Heart IQ, Hypertension, Stress

Many women’s daily lives are stretched to the limit by the multiple roles they fill at work, at home, and in the community. In many households, women still perform most childcare, shopping, cleaning, cooking, and, in some cases, care of elderly parents or in-laws. Some working women have incorporated a male standard for achievement in the workplace while retaining the …

Female faces of cardiovascular disease

A Different Risk: Women and Cardiovascular Disease

cardiogram Cardiogram, Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Health, Heart IQ

Although the overall mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is decreasing for both women and men, it is still the leading cause of death for all American women regardless of ethnicity In 2014, females represented nearly half of deaths attributable to CVD. Over the next month, we will provide information on the differences in cardiovascular disease in women compared to …

Work Stress and Cardiovascular Disease

cardiogram Blood Pressure, Cardiogram, Coronary Artery Disease, Healthy Habits, Heart Health, Heart IQ, Hypertension, Medical Conditions, Stress

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of American adults. Although much attention is given to the importance of diet, exercise, smoking cessation and the role of genetics, a lesser focus has been given to the role of stress reduction in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.   A large number of studies have demonstrated a clear link between …

The Heart Truth About Sleep Apnea

cardiogram Cardiogram, Heart Health, Heart IQ, Sleep, sleep apnea

Our hearts are incredible. They literally keep us alive. They send blood around our body, they provide us with the oxygen and the nutrients we need to stay alive, and they carry away waste in the process. We know this. But, most of us don’t realize just how easy it is to damage this special organ, and why we need …

Is Flaxseed Good for My Heart?

cardiogram Heart Health

It’s long been known just how beneficial omega-3 fatty acids are for heart health. They can help to ward off cardiovascular disease, reduce risk of stroke and diabetes, and lower blood pressure.  While most people immediately think of fish as the primary source of this essential nutrient, more and more research shows that there’s another plant-based option: Flaxseed!1What is Flaxseed? Flax …

Does Building Deep Connections Affect Heart Health?

cardiogram Heart Health

Definition of Intimacy: (noun) close familiarity or friendship; closeness.  Intimacy is a key to our ability to form deep and meaningful connections with those around us. The ability to do so is in fact good for more than just boosting oxytocin (the feel good hormone known for building trust, relationships, and sexual arousal). In fact, social support and connection plays …

Shoveling Snow and Heart Attacks

cardiogram Heart Health

It’s not just a myth. It’s been studied and found that shoveling snow really does increase risk of heart attack.1 Why? Well, shoveling snow can be likened to reaching peak exercise levels on a stress test.2 Which for some, especially those who are already at greater risk of heart related conditions, can be enough to trigger myocardial infarction (a heart …