February is American Heart Month, and in a month where we also celebrate love, it’s important to look at how you are treating your heart.
In an article by Doctor Tara Narula, she states that the same key factors we use in our personal relationships should also be used to support a healthy relationship with our hearts. Narula means that we need to devote time and energy to our hearts to focus on prevention.
By focusing on prevention, we are providing a solid foundation for our relationship with our heart that will help us avoid any of future problems.
How to Prevent
In an effort to prevent, give up (or at least, cut back) on sodas and sugars, stop smoking, try to eat healthier, and make an effort to get at least half an hour of physical activity a day. If your family has a history of heart disease, see your doctor early to establish a game plan.
If your loved one has a heart condition, learn how to help them. Your loved one needs your support and you will probably feel the need to help as much as possible. Be there for them by asking questions at the hospital, going to appointments, and/or helping them with new medicine or treatment programs. Learn about the condition, take a CPR class, and know the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke. Have a detailed plan; know what steps you would take if an emergency happens.
Another major way to help your loved one is to get healthy together. Find a few physical activities that you both enjoy and learn how to cook foods that are low in saturated, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
When beginning a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to make changes slowly, and take it one step at a time. Don’t get mad if your significant other has a slip up early on. It will take time to learn how to change the way you’re living.
Find Someone to Talk To
Whether you are the caregiver or the one with the heart condition, it might be beneficial to look into therapy. It’s difficult to face bad news about your health, and a heart condition affects the whole family. If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition and are having a difficult time dealing with the news, find someone you can talk to.
Your doctor will be able to tell you all you need to know about your condition, how to change your diet and how to live better with your condition. But a therapist can provide you with someone to talk to about your feelings, your fears, and your concerns.
If you’d like to set up a time to meet up with Reka, you can contact her by phone at 402-881-8125, by email at reka@omaha-counseling.com, or via Twitter or Facebook.
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photo credit: Ol’ Painted Heart via photopin (license)
