A Matter of the Heart

The heart is an amazing organ.  Your heart is working for you every minute of every day for your entire life without you even thinking about it.  In an average lifetime, your heart beats about 3 billion times, pumping blood through the circulatory system which carries vital nutrients and oxygen throughout the body helping it function, as well as removing carbon dioxide and other wastes.¹ The heart plays a crucial role in our health and survival, yet we often take it for granted and assume it will just keep doing its job without us doing anything to protect and support it.  Unfortunately, our American lifestyle has led to heart disease being the number one cause of death for Americans for almost 100 years.  It is a disease that does not recognize gender or race, so anyone can be affected.   Most women would say that breast cancer poses the greatest risk for them, but the death rate from heart disease is eight times higher for women than their death rate from breast cancer.¹ So, what causes heart disease?  There have been many studies over the years, but I think it is safe to say there is not one specific thing that has been proven to be the main cause for heart disease.  Instead it appears to be a combination of issues, many which are related to lifestyle.  As with any disease there is no magic bullet, but a healthy diet, regular exercise and reduced stress can make a big difference.  Here are some basic lifestyle guidelines that may help prevent and even reverse heart disease²:

• Avoid pre-packaged processed foods, especially those containing chemical additives and preservatives­­
• Eat whole foods, especially green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains to increase fiber
• Buy organic foods, which are free of pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antibiotics
• Eliminate/greatly reduce partially hydrogenated oils, animal fats, and fried foods
• Use healthy oils, such as, cold-processed virgin olive oil and omega-3 oils from flaxseed or deep ocean fish
• Increase complex carbs like whole grains, beans, seeds, lentils, peas, oatmeal and potatoes
• Eliminate/reduce sugar, meat, tobacco and alcohol
• Get 20 minutes of exercise at least three times/week – walk, swim, ride a bike, run, dance, etc.
• Practice stress reduction techniques – meditation, deep breathing, yoga, prayer, etc.

We are all susceptible to heart disease, so make it a point to do what you can to protect your heart BEFORE you end up with heart disease or have a heart attack.  Waiting until something happens may be too late, since often the first heart attack is fatal.  If you need help to implement healthy changes, a health coach can work with you to develop a plan to create a healthier lifestyle. They become your partner to guide, support, educate, encourage and help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.  Start protecting your heart today with a healthy heart program, so you can enjoy a longer, healthier and happier life.

At Live Your Life we offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, personal training, acupuncture, massage therapy, health coaching and dietary services.

Health and Happiness,
Susan Kimmel, H.C.
Live Your Life^TM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

Susan Kimmel, H.C. is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Toxic-Free Living Specialist. Susan has over 25 years of corporate and non-profit HR training and development experience and was an adjunct faculty member at Concordia University teaching in their accelerated degree program. She has an extensive background in development and delivery of training programs, small and large group facilitation, individual and group coaching, and public speaking. Susan works with businesses, educators, churches and community groups who believe that investing in the health and wellness of their employees, customers, students, and members, is a key component to their success, “When you invest in the health of your people, EVERYONE WINS!”

References   

¹Anderson, John. (1999) Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group.
²Campbell, T. Colin. (2008) The China Study. Dallas, Texas: BenBella Books.