Did you know that there is a higher risk of heart attack during the winter? There are many factors that occur during the winter months, particularly now leading up to the New Year, that put your heart at risk. It’s important that you recognize these risk factors so that you can work to reduce your risk of a heart attack or any other cardiovascular-related complication.
First off, you have your diet. Your diet tends to be at its worst this time of year. From Thanksgiving right until January 1st, it seems all we do is eat and drink, and not healthy stuff either.
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Throwing the rules of healthy eating out the window can be dangerous for your heart, especially if you already have underlying medical conditions which can worsen through unhealthy eating such as hypertension or diabetes. Although it may be challenging, try to reduce your intake of sodium and sugar, steer clear of refined carbohydrates, and stock up on fruits and vegetables as much as you can. It’s okay to sample other goods, but avoid opting for a second serving.
Secondly, we all tend to exercise less this time of year because it’s far too cold to leave the house. It’s important that you still push yourself to stick to some sort of physical activity routine. Whether this means joining a gym, or even walking around a mall, it’s important that you keep moving somehow.
Furthermore, there is plenty of stress this time of year from gift-giving and hosting to seeing your family constantly. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your overall health by hurting your sleep, weakening your immune system, and triggering inflammation in the body. In all the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s important that you still take time out for yourself to reduce stress.
Lastly, with the approach of the New Year, this is a great time of year to recommit to your heart health. Develop a tangible New Year’s resolution to start improving your health throughout the year as to reduce your risk of a heart attack all year round.
This year, give yourself the best gift, that being a healthy heart.
Also read:
- Yoga for heart health: Yoga poses to reduce the risk of heart disease
- 5 winter beverages that are good for your heart
- Christmas heart attack and holiday heart syndrome prevention tips
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
