HEALTH & WELLNESS
A heart-to-heart about stress
HEALTHY LIVING TIPS FROM
Stress — it’s that little six-letter word
associated with daylong coffee binges,
nail-biting and anxiety.
In some cases, stress isn’t a bad thing.
You might find that the added pressure
helps you get more done at work or in-
creases your energy levels. Still, extended
periods of stress can be harmful to your health because it leaves
your heart exposed to high levels of stress hormones, known as
catecholamines.
Left unchecked, stress can help trigger a host of problems, in-
cluding:
• Increased heart rate and high blood pressure
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Artery damage, including coronary artery disease
• Bad habits such as smoking, overeating and drug and al-
cohol abuse
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart failure and stroke
Harvard researchers found that women with highly stressful
jobs were 40 percent more likely to develop heart disease than
colleagues facing less stress.
When you’re facing a stressful situation, managing it may
seem like an impossible task. But for the sake of your heart, try
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these tips:
Figure out the cause of the stress and
address it. Is your desk buried under piles
of work? Make sure to take time out of
your workday to relax, such as a leisurely
stroll on your lunch break — and get in
those short breaks, too.
Be good to your body. Don’t turn to greasy, high-calorie,
high-fat fast food; instead, focus on healthy fruits, vegetables
and whole grains. Exercise on most days, don’t drink alcohol in
excess or take drugs. Give your body the rest it needs by getting
into a regular sleep routine (aim for at least seven to eight hours
of sleep a night).
Talk it out. Take the risk — open up about your problems with
a loved one, or find a trusted friend who can lend support and
give practical counsel.
Learn the art of relaxation. Techniques include slow, deep
breathing and focused imagery (pushing stress aside in favor of
a relaxing image).
It is possible to win the battle with stress — and to the victor
goes a healthy, more balanced and enjoyable life!
For questions or an appointment with a Deborah Heart and Lung
Center specialist, call 855-856-7146 or visit www.demandd ebo-
rah.org.