stress
Practice Downward Dog
Break out that exercise mat: Regular yoga and meditation have been found to lower blood pressure. Researchers in a Yale University study found that a six-week yoga and meditation program improved blood vessel function by 17 percent in those who are healthy and an amazing 70 percent in those who already have heart disease. Yoga also helps reduce stress and improve flexibility.
Try to Find the Silver Lining
A positive outlook is good for your heart: Optimists are 30 percent less likely to die of heart disease than pessimists, found a University of Pittsburgh study following 100,000 postmenopausal women. The next time you face a challenge, count your blessings or talk it over with a friend until you find the brighter side of things.
Keep It Calm Behind the Wheel
Getting stuck in traffic can triple your likelihood of having a heart attack for up to an hour afterwards, found researchers in Germany. Women and those who already have regular chest pain are at higher risk. If you must commute during rush hour, try to leave a few minutes earlier, carpool so you have company to help you relax or listen to calming music.
Meet Maria Machin
Meet Maria Machin, an active member of Sister to Sister who started down the path to heart health after joining a diversity group that focused on women’s empowerment.
Say "Ohm!"
Did you ever wonder what really goes on when people meditate? Thai researchers have studied the effects of meditation and found that after meditation, serum cortisol levels were significantly reduced, serum total protein level significantly increased, and systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and pulse rate significantly reduced.
Stress
Researchers believe that there may be a relationship between the risk of a heart disease and environmental factors, such as stress. We don’t know if stress is an independent risk factor or if it contributes to other problems, such as overeating, smoking, physical inactivity, or high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Manage Stress
Stress is much more than an emotion. It can put a physical strain on your heart or worsen other heart disease risk factors. Fortunately, there are ways to manage your stress and improve your health!
Subscribe
4701 Willard Ave., Suite 223, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301.718.8033 1.888.718.8033