Chloe Namdar
Writer '19
February is American Heart Month. Heart disease remains the biggest killer in the United States. The heart is what keeps people alive. It sends life-giving oxygen, nutrients, and natural medicine through our bloodstream to all parts of the body. Humans must support and care for their hearts in the same way. How should the heart be taken care of? There are numerous ways the heart takes care of people, but more ways that humans must care for their heart.
When exercising, workouts may strain the heart. According to research, the one mistake with exercise is the belief that faster is better. However, faster workouts that are high stress and high intensity are unhealthy compared to calm and low intensity workouts. The athletes that workout excessively and do highly intense daily workouts can scar the heart over time.
It is often forgotten that it does not hurt to have a stress free day every once in awhile and enjoy the outdoors. Stress is bad for the heart. At least once a day, a few moments should be spent enjoying the outdoors. If it is a day off, do an activity outside that strikes excitement. Activities such as hiking or sitting in a park significantly reduce stress hormones and lower blood pressure, which benefits the heart.
Taking the time to connect with family and friends never hurts. Connecting with others helps keep a positive attitude even in the middle of life’s struggles. The heart controls emotions; the place where love, bonds, connection, and intimacy originate. By spending time with others, people have the opportunity to give and receive love which is beneficial. Although, when with family and friends, it is often forgotten that screaming and being both frustrated and angry are not the same thing as connecting with family and friends, as bringing that frustration and anger to the mind strains the heart.
Ever heard the term “heart healthy foods” before? Heart healthy foods help keep heart tissues healthy, compared to fattening and junk food which harms the heart. There are foods that should be frequently consumed: salmon, ground flaxseed, oatmeal, black or pinto beans, raw almonds, walnuts, and brown rice. These fresh fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial: orange vegetables, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus, orange fruits, and blueberries.
Getting a good 6-8 hours of sleep is important.The problem of getting under the recommended amount of sleep usually interferes with education, work, “staying up all night”, and procrastination. Getting too little or too much sleep is bad for the heart and could increase one’s risk for heart disease. Longer hours of sleep bring more positive days. It is true that troubles always seem easier to deal with after a good night’s sleep.
Writer '19
February is American Heart Month. Heart disease remains the biggest killer in the United States. The heart is what keeps people alive. It sends life-giving oxygen, nutrients, and natural medicine through our bloodstream to all parts of the body. Humans must support and care for their hearts in the same way. How should the heart be taken care of? There are numerous ways the heart takes care of people, but more ways that humans must care for their heart.
When exercising, workouts may strain the heart. According to research, the one mistake with exercise is the belief that faster is better. However, faster workouts that are high stress and high intensity are unhealthy compared to calm and low intensity workouts. The athletes that workout excessively and do highly intense daily workouts can scar the heart over time.
It is often forgotten that it does not hurt to have a stress free day every once in awhile and enjoy the outdoors. Stress is bad for the heart. At least once a day, a few moments should be spent enjoying the outdoors. If it is a day off, do an activity outside that strikes excitement. Activities such as hiking or sitting in a park significantly reduce stress hormones and lower blood pressure, which benefits the heart.
Taking the time to connect with family and friends never hurts. Connecting with others helps keep a positive attitude even in the middle of life’s struggles. The heart controls emotions; the place where love, bonds, connection, and intimacy originate. By spending time with others, people have the opportunity to give and receive love which is beneficial. Although, when with family and friends, it is often forgotten that screaming and being both frustrated and angry are not the same thing as connecting with family and friends, as bringing that frustration and anger to the mind strains the heart.
Ever heard the term “heart healthy foods” before? Heart healthy foods help keep heart tissues healthy, compared to fattening and junk food which harms the heart. There are foods that should be frequently consumed: salmon, ground flaxseed, oatmeal, black or pinto beans, raw almonds, walnuts, and brown rice. These fresh fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial: orange vegetables, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus, orange fruits, and blueberries.
Getting a good 6-8 hours of sleep is important.The problem of getting under the recommended amount of sleep usually interferes with education, work, “staying up all night”, and procrastination. Getting too little or too much sleep is bad for the heart and could increase one’s risk for heart disease. Longer hours of sleep bring more positive days. It is true that troubles always seem easier to deal with after a good night’s sleep.