HEALTH & WELLNESS A heart-to-heart about stress
Stress— it’ s that dirty 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 the added pressure helps you get more done at work or increases your energy levels. Still, extended periods of stress may be harmful to your health, because they leave your heart exposed to high levels of stress hormones known as catecholamines. Left unchecked, stress can help trigger a host of problems, including:
• Increased heart rates and high blood pressure
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Artery damage, including coronary artery disease
• Bad habits such as smoking, overeating, and drug and alcohol abuse
• Problems 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 these tips to send stress on its way.
Figure out the cause of the stress and address it. Is your
HEALTHY LIVING TIPS FROM desk buried under piles of work? Take a chunk of time out of your workday to relax, such as a leisurely stroll on your lunch break— and make sure you take that break!
Be good to your body. Don’ t turn to greasy, high-calorie, high-fat fast food— focus on healthy fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Exercise on most days, don’ t drink alcohol in excess or take drugs, and do establish a regular sleep routine( get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night).
Bend an ear. Discuss your problems with a loved one or 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! d
For an appointment or more information about how Deborah Heart and Lung Center’ s leading-edge technologies can improve your quality of life, call 800-555-1990 or visit www. demanddeborah. org.
88 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ MARCH 2017