When was the last time you thought about your heart? Typically, we don’t think much about our heart health until something bad happens. But the recent deaths of celebrities George Michael, Alan Thicke and Carrie Fisher have cast a spotlight on heart health and preventative care. Experts agree that practicing heart-healthy habits is important at any age.
“Practicing preventative measures for maintaining good health is a habit you never outgrow,” said Liz Jacobsen, a medical staff member at Lake Ridge Senior Living. “Whether it is getting regular check-ups, adjusting diet, increasing exercise, or eliminating harmful habits, healthy living starts with adopting healthy habits.”
Here are three more surprising ways we can improve our heart health.
If you feel you are about to burst from the stresses of daily life, it’s time to make a change. More research is needed to connect stress directly to heart disease, but one thing is certain: The habits we pick up in response to our stress is killing our heart. “Stress may affect behaviors and factors that increase heart disease risk,” said the American Heart Association. “Some people may choose to drink or eat too much or smoke cigarettes to ‘manage’ their chronic stress.” The AHA says these destructive habits can increase blood pressure and may damage artery walls. So take a nap, do yoga, listen to music, paint, talk with friends, take a walk. Find a stress-busting solution to help you better manage your stress.
Get some sleep
When life gets busy, we often choose to sacrifice sleep. But studies from Brigham and Women’s Hospital have shown the damage a prolonged lack of sleep can have on heart health. About the study, Scott Westcott said, “Women who sleep less than five hours each night have a 30 percent higher risk of heart disease than those getting eight hours.” He added that too little sleep affects your hormones, blood sugar and blood pressure.
Laughter is the best medicine
Preventing heart disease is no joke, and studies have found a connection between laughter and improved heart health. “Laughter seems to have ‘a wonderful health-enhancing characteristic,’ ” said Barry Jacobs, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and national family caregiving spokesman for the American Heart Association.
“Over the past 40 years, studies have found that people with certain personality types—those who are hostile and angry, for example—have higher rates of heart disease.” Further research is needed, but current studies have found that people with a better sense of humor may have a lower heart disease risk. If you were looking for an excuse to binge watch “The Office” reruns, tell people you are doing it for your health.
During this new year, take the need for better health to heart. By adding controlled stress, improved sleep, and humor to a routine filled with exercise and healthy eating, you will love what the new year brings.
Amy Osmond Cook is the Executive Director of the Association of Skilled Nursing Providers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about best practices in senior care. Contact her at firstname.lastname@example.org.