IMPROVING BODY MIND & SOUL Helping Your Heart

Helping your heart. (1) LAY OFF THE SALT According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, 89% of Americans consume more sodium than they should. This is a huge risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Use as many fresh ingredients as possible when cooking at home. "Processed foods are often salted to extend their shelf life," says Cheryl Anderson, Ph.D., a spokesperson for the American Heart Association and an associate professor in the division of preventive medicine at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. (2) STOP SMOKING No matter how little you smoke, the chemicals in cigarettes are damaging to your heart and blood vessels. If you are trying to quit, download the free app Kwit. It will tell you how much money you have saved since going smoke-free and track the impact it has on your health, unlocking feel-good reminders. (3) DON'T LET STRESS GET TO YOU Over time tension like traffic jams, work deadlines and toddlers who throw very public tantrums can wear on your heart. Those who wallow in anxiety, according to a Penn State study, had lower heart rate variability. This is a risk factor for heart disease. You have to find ways to bounce back, "by talking to a supportive friend, exercising, doing something else you enjoy; says study author Nancy Sin, Ph.D. Doing so can help decrease inflammation and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. She says, "If anything, having a meaningful work and relationship,even if they're at time stressful, makes your life richer." Blogger:Being Sane Takes Too Much Work