In February, we celebrate heart health awareness month. Now is a good time to reflect on the organ that keeps us walking to our own beat. Your cardiovascular system affects every part of your body, so it is important to take your health to heart!
“Shape of My Heart” – Backstreet Boys
The average size of an adult heart is the size of your two hands clasped together, and a normal heart valve is about the size of a half-dollar. Its total weight is under 1 pound, but male hearts are usually are slightly heavier than females.
“Put a Little Love in Your Heart” – Dolly Parton
Laughter is the best medicine. Laughing can reduce pain, increases your immune system, and improve the flow of oxygen to both the heart and brain. A belly laugh can increase your blood flow up to 20% throughout your entire body. Happiness and laughter can help lower the risk of heart disease and relieve stress.
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – Elton John and Kiki Dee
Have you ever heard of broken heart syndrome? It is a temporary condition that feels like a heart attack, brought by a stressful situation like a personal loss. The heart is over-stimulated and weakened from stress hormones and grief, which leads to abnormal conditions such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
“Young at Heart” – Frank Sinatra
You can improve your health by controlling your diet, exercise, and stress. Exercising is one of the most important ways to better your lifestyle. Any activity, like yoga, cardio, or weights, benefits blood flow and strengthening your heart’s muscle.
“Heart of Glass” – Blondie
Heart disease is the leading cause of health problems in the United States, with heart attacks being are the most common. Most of these attacks occur on Monday, more than any other day in the week, and around the Christmas holiday. This is due to increased stress hormone Cortisol, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate.
“Listen to Your Heart” – Roxette
The average adult heart beats around 70 times per minute and about 100,000 times every day. All this pumping sends around 2,000 gallons of blood through your body. A woman’s heart beats slightly faster than a man’s by approximately eight beats per minute.
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” – Bonnie Tyler
While food can be delicious, the wrong food can hinder your heart’s abilities. Having a balanced meal is important to maintaining a good lifestyle, like sticking with steamed or grilled options rather than fried food. Lowering sodium intake is especially important because salt causes your body to retain water, making it harder for your heart to pump.
At Evergreen Senior Living, we understand your loved one’s health and dietary restrictions and ensure all their needs are met. If you’d like to learn more about our campus and care, schedule a tour or contact us today.