DO YOU HAVE A 'JOY LIST'?

We all have things that make us happy or joyful, but sometimes those things get buried beneath our worries, doubts, and fears. Or perhaps we don't take time to dwell on them because of busyness. A University of Michigan study has found that jotting down the things that make one happy or thankful can lower one's blood pressure. They credit the fact that feeling grateful quiets artery-squeezing rumination by shifting one's focus to the positives in their life, both big things and small ones. Such an easy thing and it requires no medication.

file photo as an example

CORONARY CALCIUM SCORING

Have you ever heard of Coronary Calcium Scoring? Personally, I had not or had never paid attention, if I had. A few years ago, during a routine exam with my cardiologist, he suggested that due to my heart disease family history, a heart attack at a young age, high cholesterol, etc, I have this scoring test. At the time and probably still, insurance did not cover this $100 test. I told my doctor, I would skip the test. My daughter, who was with me, told him to schedule it and she would pay. We argued and I ended up having the test. It's a good thing I did. My test showed significant artery plaque, he started me on a new medication. I had a check up with him last week. He told me the medications are working and my 'bad' cholesterol number has dropped.

Below are some heart health facts you should consider:

• Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in developed countries.
• Each year, over 1.5 million heart attacks occur in the United States.
• Annually, heart attacks account for over 500,000 deaths in the United States.
• The progression of atherosclerotic heart disease can be halted or potentially reversed when found early.

KALE FOR YOUR HEART

According to Joel Fuhrman. MD, "Kale has everything you would want in a superfood."  Dr. Fuhrman, author of the bestseller 'Eat to Live', uses diet and exercise to help patients reverse their cardiovascular disease.  Notice that says reverse, not treat!  He had the following to say about kale.

• Boasts a bumper crop of heart healthy antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamin E.
• Rich in lutein which protects against early atherosclerosis.
• Contains an unusual compound - glucorophanin - that activates a special protein called Nrf2.
• Creates a Teflon-like coating in arteries to keep plaque from adhering.

 

 File Photo