As the end of the year creeps up, so do all of the wholesome festivities. But with great holidays comes stress and lots of irresistible dishes. Although you should treat yourself with the savory food, make sure to not overindulge. And a little bit of stress didn’t hurt anyone, but a significant amount of it can greatly impact your heart. Brookhaven Heart has listed a couple tips to help you keep your heart healthy and make the right choices this holiday season.
Did You Know?
Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. Approximately 659,000 people die of heart disease each year. Studies have shown that there is an increase in deaths by 33% during the end of the year, and they are often referred to as the “holiday heart attack.” Less motivation to work out, overindulgence, and stress are the three main factors that contribute to an increase in heart attacks during this time of the year.
Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Don’t let the holidays take a toll on your health. We have listed some tips to help you stay on top of your heart health.
Regular Exercise
With so many festivities and preparation going on, it becomes an easy excuse to say that there’s not enough time to workout. New York gets very cold during these months, so maybe you prefer to stay snuggled under a warm blanket, than making an effort to make it outside or to the gym in the freezing weather. However, your heart needs regular exercise to stay healthy. Turn it into a family activity, or find a YouTube workout video so you can stay indoors. You can also take a walk around your neighborhood and check out the wonderful Christmas lights!
Watch Your Eating and Drinking Habits
Thanksgiving is filled with delicious platters, such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, ham, and turkey. Christmas and New Year’s Eve have platters just as enticing. Not to mention, alcohol is present in most scenarios, for it keeps you warm and keeps the chatter going. You can still enjoy the dishes, but don’t overindulge. And a glass or two doesn’t hurt, but don’t binge drink. Alcohol can raise your blood pressure and lead to an irregular heartbeat. This, in return, can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Take a Deep Breath and Relax
Don’t stack up on your to-do list! You don’t want to have too much on your plate, for that leads to anger, exhaustion, and stress. If you are hosting one of the holidays, make it a potluck! Encourage your guests to bring a dish or two, so you don’t end up having to prepare all of the meals yourself. Relax and catch up on sleep. It strengthens your immune system, which fights off infections and fevers. You don’t need these extra stressors on your heart.
Schedule an Appointment with Brookhaven Heart
Schedule an appointment with your Brookhaven Heart cardiologist today, to discuss any concerns that you may have. Our dedicated doctors strive to provide you the best heart care in Shirley, New York. We’d be more than happy to check on your heart health and recommend more tips for staying healthy this holiday season.
