Here's an idea: why not take care of your real, blood pumping, heart and appreciate it on Valentine's Day? For without it, we would not be enjoying this or any other day! Or better yet, why not get together with your honey and make a plan to make sure that both of you are in good health to celebrate many more Valentine's Days?
Copyright (c) 2008 Ainsley Laing
Aah, Valentine's Day. What a great holiday. Did you know that the origin of this holiday is not really known? There are lots of suggestions by historians...but no one really knows for sure. Try doing a web search for "the history of Valentine's Day" and you will see. Yet, it is such a popular holiday. A chance to celebrate and be grateful for the love that we have in our lives is truly special!
So what are your plans? A romantic dinner? Flowers? Popping the question? It's all so exciting, isn't it?
Here's an idea: why not take care of your real, blood pumping, heart and appreciate it on this wonderful day? For without it, we would not be enjoying this or any other day! Or better yet, why not get together with your honey and make a plan to make sure that both of you are in good health to celebrate many more Valentine's Days?
The American Heart Association celebrates the whole of February as Heart Health Month. During February, the organization strives to educate people about how to stay well and keep their hearts in shape. They challenge people to address general wellness factors and give them ideas on how to do it. In general, they urge awareness of how to recognize heart problems and strokes, what to do if you have symptoms, how to assess personal risk factors, get regular medical check ups, regular exercise, healthy eating habits and no smoking.
Ok. We all know we should exercise, eat "right", have regular medical checks and lower stress levels. Let's look at some of the current dietary and exercise recommendations specifically aimed at maintaining a healthy heart. After all, the more research the medical folks do, the more they change what the "right" things to do are!
Exercise is pretty simple: at least 30 minutes of moderately rigorous exercise most or all days of the week.
Interestingly, the type of exercise makes little difference in terms of heart health. Weight training has proven to be heart healthy as well as more aerobic activities. No matter what you enjoy, just stay moving!!!
Diet is not so simple. Some of the newer recommendations include:
Eat LOTS of vegetables, some fruit, whole grains and lean protein. Add Omega-3 fats, which come from fish oil, nuts, seeds and some oils. Eat much less processed foods because they contain trans fats which are more harmful to the heart than saturated fats! Fry food much less often. Frying food changes the structure of fat molecules (trans fats) and degrades protein. The heart needs B-vitamins to keep it healthy. Processed grains (white flour, rice, etc) lose 60-90% of the vitamins in processing. Eat brown and unprocessed where possible. Keep desserts and sweets to a minimum. Add a multivitamin, just to make sure to get necessary nutrients (especially B vitamins).
Wellness Issues:
Learn to cope with stress, communicate better, manage anger etc. Repressed emotions are terrible for the heart as well as overall health (and cause relationship problems too) Stop smoking Control alcohol intake Be aware of direct relatives who have had heart disease or Type 2 diabetes (a risk factor for heart attacks) If you have Type 2 diabetes, follow your physician's instructions! Keep your body fat at normal levels.
So, this Valentine's Day, when you are feeling your most romantic....show your partner how much you love him/her by making resolutions to become more heart healthy by the time the next Valentine's Day comes around. Taking care of your body so you will be around for your partner a long time is soooo romantic ..... and sexy!
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