Health Tips

Heart disease rates along with cancer as the biggest killer in the western world. Some of us are simply more prone to collecting cholesterol in our arteries and we’re totally unaware until it’s too late. Others don’t lead a good lifestyle; we eat too many of the wrong foods and we don’t take enough exercise, but perhaps one of the biggest contributing factors is the stress that we live under.

Many of us have fast, exhilarating lives, holding down responsible jobs and, whilst we’re young this may be what we think we want, as we grow older our bodies rebel. The silent killer that is so often caused by stress is high blood pressure.

So, what can you do to extend your life? There are three steps to look at your body and your way of life that will help your heart and your blood pressure and will, quite possibly, radically change your life.

1~Your new regime starts with exercise. Nothing that’s going to make you so miserable that you only do a couple of times and then can’t face any more. No, we’re talking about the kind of exercise that you can enjoy and share. Only you know how far you have to go so it’s impossible to tell anyone where to start. But, if you’re hesitating, start slow and small and remember not to put your body under too much stress. Those people pounding the pavements looking as if they’re about to have a heart attack are doing themselves no good at all. Start with walking and build your distance and speed up gradually. Not only the walking but the fresh air and the deep breathing will help in no end of ways. You’ll find that you’ll sleep better, you won’t be so stressed and, of course, you’ll be burning calories. Walking is even more pleasurable with a companion and often the best companion imaginable is a dog. By having a dog to stroke and talk with your life can be totally transformed. Here you’ll find a companion who never judges or criticizes and who always is delighted to see you (even if you’re very late home!).

2~The next thing you have to do is to look at what you eat. You must have heard that there are good fats and bad fats and the bad fats clog up our arteries just like a drain pipe. If you are in doubt, remember that animal fats are basically bad and not necessary to a good diet. There are two camps of vegetarians; the ones who do it because of the cruelty to the animals and the ones who do it for their own health. Meat and animal products are not good for us and your body will function so much better without them. Fill yourself up on high fiber foods including wholemeal breads and lots of fruit and vegetables. Refined sugar does us no good and the other big sins are alcohol which, simply doesn’t agree with our bodies and salt which is in so many processed foods in high quantities. Cut it out of home cooking and look at alternative seasonings.

3~We also need to cut our stress levels. Exercise will help but you also need to take positive action towards relaxation. Give yourself some time each day to be quiet, away from the family and the squabbles of work. You’ll find that headaches, upset stomachs, tiredness and all the physical problems that you’ve been suffering from will improve.