The holidays are here, the air is cool, and family is in town. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Surely there would be no worse way to ruin the holidays than with a heart attack. Unfortunately, there are many people who are at risk of having a heart attack and don't know how to avoid it.
Let's look at a few ways you can prevent ruining all the fun.
Lay off the eggnog
Eating healthy is one of the best and easiest ways of avoiding the holiday heart attack. This is a challenge during the holidays, but laying off that extra cup of eggnog or extra slice of pie might just be what protects you from an attack.
The American Heart Association suggests choosing foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium. Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and red meat. If you choose to eat meat, select the leanest cuts available. Doing so will also keep cholesterol levels down (looking at you, eggnog), and that will help prevent a heart attack.
Walk off that turkey leg
Something as simple as a walk after those big holiday meals might make all the difference to your heart. Doing so consistently will do even more. If exercise isn't a part of your holiday routine, even while traveling, start doing what you can and get moving, even if it's just around the neighborhood.
Keep the family at a distance — some of the time
If your family is stressful to be around, it would serve you well to find a place where you can decompress, relax and even meditate. WebMD explains that being in prolonged situations of intense stress can lead to greater risk of an attack. Knowing when you need your space is something your ears and your heart will thank you for.
The Mayo Clinic suggests trying the following to better cope: Change your expectations; focus on issues you can control and make plans to solve them; avoid stress triggers; make time to relax and to do activities you enjoy; and practice gratitude.
Make a new resolution to take better care of your heart
Making a resolution to take better care of your heart can lead to powerful changes in your health. Exercising, losing weight, reducing stress and eating better are great places to start, but sometimes preventing a heart attack needs additional assistance, and that is where a trained physician like those at CardiacCare Group come in.
Always consult with your physician first before embarking on any new diet or exercise program. Hardening of the arteries cannot be reversed, but with the proper lifestyle changes, and medication, you can enjoy a healthier life and stave off any heart issues through these preventative measures.
Give yourself the gift of great health this holiday season. At Cardiac Care Group, the professionals take your symptoms seriously and are prepared to see you and to discuss your conditions. They specialize in providing a broad range of services that focus on the prevention, prompt diagnosis and state-of-the-art treatment of cardiovascular disease. Contact them today to make your appointment.