The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also be a time for stress. If you’re not careful, the combination of overeating, drinking, and lack of sleep can lead to a heart attack. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to stay healthy during the holiday season. In this article, we will discuss some of the best tips for keeping your heart healthy during the holidays!
In a recent study published by the American Heart Association journal, “Circulation”, a startling pattern emerged – cardiac mortality is highest during the winter months of December and January. In specific, cardiac deaths peak on Christmas Day with the largest number of fatalities observed compared to any other day in these two months. The second-highest cardiac death rate happens on the day after Christmas and the third-highest on New Year’s Day. This sobering data calls for greater efforts from the medical profession to identify and treat cardiac patients at increased risk during this time of year.
Nevertheless, you can help prevent this yearly trend by following some simple tips from the experts at the American Heart Association. Here are some things you can do:
1. Recognize the signs of a heart attack and take action. – It is essential to not wait if you experience any of the common heart attack warning signs. Chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness are all indicators that you may be having a heart attack. If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately; even if they go away do not hesitate to get help as soon as possible.
Early action can save your life and help to prevent serious damage to your heart. The same goes for those people who are experiencing chest pain but may write off their symptoms as due to stress or other factors. Have a professional evaluation done so you can make the best decision on how to proceed in taking care of your health.
2. It is important to celebrate in moderation. – With tempting treats around every corner and more desserts than healthy options to choose from, it can be difficult to stick with a balanced diet. However, there are several ways you can enjoy the holiday spirit without sacrificing health for indulgence.
Eating healthy foods, being mindful of portion sizes and limiting sodium intake are all great tips for eating smart. Additionally, when it comes to your favorite dishes that may not be as healthy, opt for healthier swaps like using applesauce instead of butter or cutting back on sugar.
By incorporating these practices into your festivities, it is possible to maintain balance while still enjoying this joyous time of year. Most importantly, remember to eat and drink in moderation – that way you can continue living life with a happy heart and full stomach during the holidays.
3. Remember to be kind and patient with yourself. – As the holidays draw near and the activities and errands increase, it is important to remember to practice goodwill towards yourself. This includes allowing yourself the time to relax, read a beloved book, go for a walk with family or pets, or simply be still in meditation. It also involves checking in on your emotional well-being by avoiding stressful family dynamics as well as overspending and taking on too much. Taking care of yourself during this season will not only help keep holiday stressors at bay but also allow you to enjoy the fullness of what this special time has to offer.
4. Be physically active every day to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. – During the holiday season of family meals, shopping, and parties, exercise can often become an afterthought. Although it may be tempting to relax your fitness routine due to intense holiday preparation, it is important to stay active in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Walking is a great way to get some exercise without requiring extra time or energy. Additionally, trying out physically active games with family and friends can be a fun way to stay active and inject some cheer into the holiday season. Committing to small yet consistent doses of physical activity throughout the holidays will ensure greater overall health even when a full-fledged routine may not be possible.
5. Keep taking your medications as prescribed. – During the holidays, it is extremely vital to keep taking your medications as many people tend to get too busy and forget to take them. This can become a problem if they forget to get a refill or even leave their prescriptions at home and run out of their necessary medications.
To avoid this and other associated issues, it is useful to try using a medication chart. This way, you are able to keep track of the appropriate days and times for each of your medications. It is also important to keep account of blood pressure numbers during this time as well, as one’s blood pressure can be easily affected by a hectic holiday schedule or stress caused by family visits.
While the holidays can be a joyous and festive time of year, they can also be stressful. It is important to take care of yourself during this time so that you can enjoy the season to the fullest. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack and knowing how to take action can help you avoid any health complications. celebrating in moderation, being physically active, and taking your medications as prescribed are all great ways to stay healthy during the holiday season. For more tips on having a heart-healthy holiday season, check out heart.org.
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This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.