Over the years, several key factors have been proven to play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Smoking, poor dietary habits, and preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes, all may contribute to poor cardiovascular health. Heart healthy habits, by contrast, are recognized to decrease cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death in the US).

While genetic makeup may adversely influence heart health, most cardiovascular issues may be actively managed through education and simple drug treatment, such as a daily dose of aspirin. Additionally, eating a diet that includes fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fish all lower the risk of heart disease.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is linked as the leading cause of coronary heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), smokers who quit lower the risks of both heart disease and stroke.

Common Heart Attack Symptoms and Warning Signs

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Follow Up with Your Doctor

Your family doctor or cardiologist may order a series of studies such as an echocardiogram, stress test, or diagnostic procedure to determine the best treatment for you. Based on preliminary tests and assessment, some patients may require follow up, such as minimally invasive surgical procedures that correct a problem linked to possible heart failure. Further, your physician may prescribe medications for your condition, and may also prescribe lifestyle changes. According to WebMD News, Saylinn Boyles reports that (2009) the most effective treatment for heart disease is a combination of healthy lifestyle and drug therapy to manage blood pressure and cholesterol (Boyles, S. 2009).

Maintaining a heart healthy way of living such as staying within healthy weight limit, drink moderate amounts of alcohol, and quit smoking will decrease the chance of heart disease throughout the year, community hospitals and clinics sponsor programs offering free heart screenings and other free programs
that support heart healthy habits. Participating in these types of programs is a good start on your path to a healthy heart.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4595

H

ealthy skin contributes to the body’s defense against microorganisms. It provides a shield against sunlight, and it can absorb or repel different substances. The skin also helps to regulate body temperature and puts us in contact with our environment, so it’s very important to take care of it. Here are some tips to keep your skin healthy.

• Keep your skin Clean. It is recommended your wash your face in the

morning and before bed. It’s preferable to use a mild soap, thereby avoiding possible infections, and simple cleansing allows your skin to breathe.

• Restrict exposure to the sun. To help prevent premature aging and the

appearance of spots, and in some extreme cases skin cancer, avoid direct sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be very harmful, creating cellular damage. Apply sunscreen when going out, especially in the summer.

• Maintain a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables containing

Vitamin C (collagen production), Beta Carotene (maintenance of skin tissues), Vitamin E (skin conditioning). Vitamin B (skin repair) should be kept.

• Quit smoking cigarettes. It is advisable to stop smoking, as tobacco

may cause wrinkles and blemishes. If you just can’t quit smoking, eat more of the vital nutrients listed and use products that rejuvenate the skin. Alcohol and coffee should be consumed in moderation, as both dehydrate the skin.

• Exercise improves circulation, renewing the skin from the inside out.

Exercise also helps reduce stress. Walking, running, jogging or a simple exercise routine can have the desired effect on your skin and overall health.

• Sleep well to maintain the freshness of the skin. When we sleep the

skin repairs its cells. When we lack sufficient sleep, the skin looks tired and lifeless. There is truth in the term ‘Beauty Sleep’.

• Avoid excess stress. Stress may lead to a number of skin issues in

cluding acne, blemishes and premature aging. Employ one or more of the many known relaxation techniques available. Yoga, deep breathing, meditation, and maintaining a positive attitude are all ways to relax.

• Excessive use of cosmetics may have an adverse effect on your skin.

Many cosmetics contain a few chemicals that can cause skin allergies.