Heart Health

This month we are creating awareness on the topic of Heart Health. Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death of women in the United States. That may seem scary and reason for alarm, but instead of fear, I would like to empower the women reading this with ways you can "love" and "take care" of your heart each day. First, I'd like you to understand that your heart is a muscle. When we think of the heart as a muscle, it is easier to relate to what can keep our hearts healthy and beating strong. Bring your attention to the muscles in your shoulders and neck. Are they tight, tense and achy? If yes, than it is likely that your heart "muscle" is tight, tense and achy.
And a tight, tense and achy heart eventually leads to high blood pressure, irregular pulse and ultimately heart disease. But, just as I've been teaching you to care for your skeletal muscles, the same methods apply to caring for your heart muscle.

Muscles need to be stretched. To stretch the heart muscle we need to be taking active long, deep breathes on a regular basis (try 10-12 deep breathes each morning, afternoon and night). Muscles need relaxation. We need to keep stress low, remember if your shoulders are tense, so is your heart. When you feel tension build, take a step back, center yourself and remember not to sweat the small stuff. Muscles also need strength. To strengthen the heart muscle we need to sweat and pant! Any exercise that increases your respiratory rate and causes perspiration is good for your heart. Lastly, muscles need a balanced amount of protein, vitamins & minerals and are burdened by excess fat. So, eat a sensible diet that includes 5 small servings of protein along with unlimited fruits and vegetables per day and drop any extra weight that could be burdening the heart. Adding additional Omega 3 fatty acids and a good vitamin and mineral supplement is beneficial as well.

From our hearts to yours,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team