In the United States, Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season. For most Americans, Thanksgiving is more of a gluttonous feast than a time for giving thanks. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes - and, of course, the pies. Pumpkin pie. Buttermilk pie. Pecan pie. It wouldn't be surprising if Thanksgiving kicked off the heart attack season as well as the holiday season. Sadly, that's exactly what happens.
In 1999, Dr. Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD, of the Heart Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles found that heart attack deaths begin to increase around Thanksgiving, continue to rise through Christmas, peak on New Year's Day, and then drop off. The researchers concluded that overindulgence and emotional stress during the holiday season were behind what Dr. Kloner dubbed the "Merry Christmas Coronary" and "Happy New Year Heart Attack" phenomenon.
You can have a healthy, happy holiday season without overindulging. You don't have to deny yourself the pleasures of candy canes and eggnog - but you should set limits for yourself. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of health. Keep these heart healthy tips in mind:
1. Eat a light snack, such as an apple or a salad, before you go to family gatherings or holiday parties. This will help you avoid overeating.
2. You can try wearing tight fitting trousers to holiday meals. I know it seems silly but wearing a tight fit trousers will make you aware of how much food you eat.
3. If you're expected to bring food to a gathering, bring a healthy dish such as a vegetable platter with hummus dip.
4. To reduce the size of the portion you eat you can use small plates. This will help you to eat less with satisfaction. When you use a small plate you are suppose to walk each and every time to fetch food. And this happens to be an exercise.
5. You can avoid foods that are processed and foods that are with high fat and you can eat more vegetables. It's nothing wrong to have a special pie on special occasion. But veggies first.
6. Apple cider and eggnog the special holiday drinks are very much special with high calories too. Moreover, it's nothing wrong to treat yourselves on holiday but remember your limit of one glass.
7. Watch your alcohol intake, too. Dr. Kloner believers that changes in alcohol consumption patterns contribute to "Merry Christmas Coronaries." Set reasonable limits for yourself before you start drinking, and stick to those limits. And if you've been drinking, do not drive! You don't want to spend Christmas behind bars.
8. Go for a walk with your family or friends after holiday meals. Better yet, go outside and play with the kids. They'll help you burn off some calories. When you're doing your holiday shopping, park far away from store entrances to force yourself to get in some extra walking.
9. Don't allow the stress to get the better of you. It can be extremely stressful during the holiday season. You can plan to get your shopping done earlier to avoid stressful situation at the store. You should also plan plenty of time for relaxation and holidays are meant for relaxation.
If you have high blood pressure, you should be especially careful this holiday season since you're already at risk for a sudden heart attack. Resist the urge to overindulge, keep your activity levels high, and try to avoid stress. See these simple high blood pressure exercises to learn how to lower your stress and lower yours blood pressure naturally.
EL331014
In 1999, Dr. Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD, of the Heart Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles found that heart attack deaths begin to increase around Thanksgiving, continue to rise through Christmas, peak on New Year's Day, and then drop off. The researchers concluded that overindulgence and emotional stress during the holiday season were behind what Dr. Kloner dubbed the "Merry Christmas Coronary" and "Happy New Year Heart Attack" phenomenon.
You can have a healthy, happy holiday season without overindulging. You don't have to deny yourself the pleasures of candy canes and eggnog - but you should set limits for yourself. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of health. Keep these heart healthy tips in mind:
1. Eat a light snack, such as an apple or a salad, before you go to family gatherings or holiday parties. This will help you avoid overeating.
2. You can try wearing tight fitting trousers to holiday meals. I know it seems silly but wearing a tight fit trousers will make you aware of how much food you eat.
3. If you're expected to bring food to a gathering, bring a healthy dish such as a vegetable platter with hummus dip.
4. To reduce the size of the portion you eat you can use small plates. This will help you to eat less with satisfaction. When you use a small plate you are suppose to walk each and every time to fetch food. And this happens to be an exercise.
5. You can avoid foods that are processed and foods that are with high fat and you can eat more vegetables. It's nothing wrong to have a special pie on special occasion. But veggies first.
6. Apple cider and eggnog the special holiday drinks are very much special with high calories too. Moreover, it's nothing wrong to treat yourselves on holiday but remember your limit of one glass.
7. Watch your alcohol intake, too. Dr. Kloner believers that changes in alcohol consumption patterns contribute to "Merry Christmas Coronaries." Set reasonable limits for yourself before you start drinking, and stick to those limits. And if you've been drinking, do not drive! You don't want to spend Christmas behind bars.
8. Go for a walk with your family or friends after holiday meals. Better yet, go outside and play with the kids. They'll help you burn off some calories. When you're doing your holiday shopping, park far away from store entrances to force yourself to get in some extra walking.
9. Don't allow the stress to get the better of you. It can be extremely stressful during the holiday season. You can plan to get your shopping done earlier to avoid stressful situation at the store. You should also plan plenty of time for relaxation and holidays are meant for relaxation.
If you have high blood pressure, you should be especially careful this holiday season since you're already at risk for a sudden heart attack. Resist the urge to overindulge, keep your activity levels high, and try to avoid stress. See these simple high blood pressure exercises to learn how to lower your stress and lower yours blood pressure naturally.
EL331014
About the Author:
Blue Heron Health News is a leading publishing company in the field of natural health. One of their best popular publications is a guide to lower blood pressure naturally.
No comments:
Post a Comment