You Gotta Have Heart
The 20th century saw a massive
increase in the number of people suffering and dying from heart disease.
Heart disease kills more people than everything else combined. It is
currently estimated that approximately 60 million Americans have some
form of heart disease, which will cause about one million deaths this
year.
The amazing thing is most of this suffering
and death can easily be prevented. Even the medical establishment agrees;
heart disease is primarily a lifestyle disease. A lifestyle lacking
in good nutrition, proper exercise, relaxation and fulfillment leads
to degenerative diseases.
Most everyone is aware of the vital functions our hearts perform on a continuous basis. The heart pumps oxygen and nutrient rich blood throughout our entire body to nourish all of our 60 trillion cells. It will beat approximately 100 thousand times per day and push 2 ounces of blood through 60 thousand miles of arteries, arterioles, veins, venules and capillaries in about one minute. Yes, the heart is truly a remarkable organ, worthy of our appreciation and attention. However almost everyone seems unaware that they are responsible for the health of their heart!
Many people associate heart problems
with the onset of middle age and some even think it’s inevitable by
retirement age. We do not have to experience heart problems or declining
health as we age. The fact is the vast majority of health problems,
including heart disease are due to poor lifestyle habits. In some cases
the heart may be defective at birth or sustain damage as a result of
an infectious illness. Heart disease primarily is due to the gradual
deterioration and blockage of the coronary arteries. This condition
has many contributors such as: lack of oxygen, homocysteine buildup,
diabetes, free radical damage, high blood pressure, smoking, toxic chemicals
in our environment, medications, eating rancid and heated oils, excessive
alcohol consumption, the lack of proper exercise, rest, relaxation and
diet.
The body repairs damaged arteries by
covering the lesions with fibrous placque made up of blood cells, fats
and cholesterol. As this placque builds up, it can become calcified,
leading to Atherosclerosis, narrowing of the arteries and Arteriosclerosis,
hardening of the arteries. These conditions are the biggest risk factors
for heart disease.
The Bottom Line
Heart disease is not an unavoidable part
of life. You are not at the mercy of bad cholesterol molecules that
are searching just for you, so they can clog your arteries. Your heart
health is dependent upon how you live your life. The major factors that
contribute to the health of your heart are: How you perceive and handle
emotional stress, how you feed your body and how you care for your body
with exercise and rest. In order to avoid becoming just another sad
heart attack statistic, please take to heart the following healthy heart
tips.
Healthy Heart Tips
1. Let go of any anger, hard
or hurt feelings and resentments…forgive.
2. Open your heart…allow yourself
to love and be loved.
3. Do what you love. If not your job then find a
hobby or service to enjoy daily.
4. Do not smoke.
5. Get daily aerobic exercise.
6. Eat a 50% raw natural foods
diet.
7. Avoid fried and processed foods,
refined sugars and foods containing hydrogenated oils.
8. Take whole food supplements.
9. Take regular time outs to relax
and de-stress.
10. Be happy, have fun everyday.
We all share the desire to experience
a productive, fulfilling and joyful life. In order to be as successful
as we can be, at everything in life, we need to have a high level of
energy, stay healthy and avoid serious diseases. If you would like to
improve both the quality and quantity of your life, the single most
important thing you can do is to protect and rejuvenate your heart.
Even if you have not been diagnosed with a heart problem or feel you
have been neglecting your health and are at risk, you should begin implementing
the healthy heart recommendations immediately. Each of us is responsible
for our own health and our own life. Being responsible is being powerful.
I urge you to live powerfully and create the healthy life you desire
and deserve. For more detailed information on developing a healthy lifestyle
program please go to my web site: www.ageless-living.com