The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 25, Number 3 | Page 27
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | March 2019
Healthy Living Tips from
A HEART-TO-HEART ABOUT STRESS
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 the added pressure helps you get more done at work or increases 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, 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
Difficulty breathing
Heart failure and stroke
Harvard researchers found that women with highly stressful jobs were 40% more likely to develop heart disease than colleagues
facing less stress.
SENDING STRESS ON ITS WAY
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:
Figure out the cause of the stress and address it. Is it your desk buried under piles of work? Make sure to take a 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 -- 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 7-8 hours’ 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).
For more information about how Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s leading-edge technologies can
improve your quality of life or an appointment with a Deborah specialist, please visit our website:
www.demanddeborah.org
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