Change your habits, change your heart, change your life!

Let’s breakdown what you need to know that’s bad and what you can do that’s good.

The K.I.S.S. ~ The beat goes on!

1. Your smile matters! (It’s all about your teeth.)

Did you know that people with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease? The connection may not be clear, but some experts believe bacteria moves into your bloodstream, leading to inflammation of the blood vessels and other heart problems.

**Visit your dentist every six (6) months.

2. How is your commute? Traffic Delays

Driving can be stressful, especially when it’s bumper-to-bumper. Research shows links to noise levels (heart disease) and one hour of traffic (heart attack).  That may be why research links spending a single hour in traffic to higher odds of having a heart attack. High noise levels — like the kind you hear on a freeway — are also linked to heart disease.

**Traffic might be hard to avoid. But what you do in traffic matters. Listen to relaxing music, a great podcast, or have good conversation with someone you enjoy.

3. Are you a night owl either by choice or job?

Working at night or having irregular hours can raise your risk of a heart attack, according to a recent study from Western University in Canada. Shift work can upset your body’s circadian rhythm (internal clock).

**If you must have irregular hours, then be sure to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and be sure you communicate with your doctor.

4. Is that time of the month no more? (Early Menopause)

If you go into menopause before you turn 46, your odds of having a heart attack/stroke may be twice as high as those who go through it later. A drop in estrogen, a hormone with ticker-friendly effects, may play a role. Ask your doctor to test you for heart disease risk factors (like high cholesterol).

**Communicate with your doctor and discuss heart disease risk factors of those which apply to you and your health history.

5. Are you a bear at night? (Snoring works the heart.)

If you snore, be sure you are communicating with your physician. There is a condition called apnea. You can be tested and treatments are available, if necessary,  to help you breathe easier.

6. Are you getting good sleep?

Less than six (6) hours of sleep a night can raise your risk of higher blood pressure and cholesterol. It also increases the chance to become obese and get diabetes.

**Don’t sleep your day away. Get a solid 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Be consistent every day, including on the weekend.

7. Are you happy at home? (Marriage)

A good match makes your heart happy and healthy. Older adults who are content in their marriages have a lower risk of heart disease than those who aren’t, according to a recent study from Michigan State University. This stems from stress. Stress creates a downward spiral of bad diet choices, alcohol consumption and increase in unhealthy choices overall.

**Get coaching or counseling for you and/or your spouse.

8. Are you lonely?

Being with people you love and care about keeps your heart grounded by reducing stress and keeps you moving.  People who are lonely may be more likely to have heart disease.

**So get out with your family and friends. Do what you love together. If loneliness becomes more frequent and you are finding yourself less active and more sheltered, talk to your physician or medical provider.

9. Are you feeling more like Santa Clause? (Belly Fat)

Extra weight of any kind makes the heart work harder. However, belly fat (visceral fat) is especially dangerous. This can raise your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

**Communication with your physician. Eat a balanced diet that is appropriate for you and your lifestyle. Exercise regularly with HIIT and strength training. Walking and yoga/meditation is good for your body too.

10. Are you sitting more than you are moving?

If you are sitting more throughout your day and/or on the weekend, stand up! Sitting is linked to problems like circulation and high blood pressure.

**Move more than you sit. Sit for 40 minutes, move for 20 minutes.

“Train for life. Love your journey!”