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Heart health: the importance of stress management According to Health Canada, COVID-19 February is Heart Month, here’s a look at the impact of stress on heart health and what you can do to manage it. HOW STRESS AFFECTS YOUR HEART Sudden intense stress causes a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, which can trigger a heart attack, especially if you have a pre-existing condition or risk factors for heart disease. While the effects aren’t as immediate, chronic stress can also put a strain on your heart, elevate your blood pressure and increase your tisk of heart disease. Fortunately, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, nearly 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke cases can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including proper stress management. FEBRUARY is Vi @, NTH HEALTHY WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS Many people smoke, drink alcohol or eat junk food as a way to cope with stress. Unfortunately, these behaviours have a negative effect on your heart health. Here are some healthy ways to lower. your stress level: -Get seven to nine hours of sleep evel (Bees for at least 30 minutes every day «Spend time with friends and family members +Practise yoga, meditation and 2207 ‘OL Auensge ‘Aepsuny | SIH UONEH - dl UL | BL deep breathing exercises -Find creative outlets such as journaling or painting +Regularly visit parks, beaches, hiking trails and other natural settings «Take breaks from using social media +Speak with a mental health professional For more information about how to reduce your risk of heart disease, visit heartandstroke.ca. The risk factors RISK FACTORS Heart failure is a + Myocarditis condition that + Drug and alcohol abuse lying down - Rapid weight gain (two kilograms or and symptoms of heart failure Did you know that approximately 600,000 Canadians live with heart failure? This February, in honour of Heart Month, the Heart and Stroke Foundation fs ia nite att isi ven, about this condition. Here’s what you should know. develops after the heart becomes damaged or weakened. The term doesn’t mean the heart has failed or stopped working. Rather, it refers to a heart that. works inefficiently and doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. This condition often affects people with high blood pressure or who’ve had a heart attack. However, several other conditions and lifestyle habits are linked to heart failure, including: + Heart valve disease Li CARPET BARNaCARPET ONE Floor and Home The One Store For Your Perfect Floor BARRISTERS + SOLICITORS A Full Service Firm, LOCKYER +HEINie www.lhlaw.ca OFFICE LOCATIONS 26 Guelph St, GEORGETOWN, Downtown Georgetown 8 Guciph Strct www.carpetone.ca paanvet of (Main) 905-877-9896 | | ooo ass Anport Road, Suite 201 port Road, Sult THREE EASY WAYS TO SHOP. Susman te @ esas » Suite 320 " + Obesity + High cholesterol + Diabetes In addition, individuals who are 65 and older have an increased risk of being diagnosed with heart failure because aging can weaken and stiffen the heart. SYMPTOMS The most common signs of heart failure include: + Difficulty breathing, especially when more in less than a week) + Bloating or a feeling of fullness. + Severe fatigue + Changes in appetite + Swelling in the abdomen, feet, ankles, legs and lower spine + Increased urge to urinate overnight Visit your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms. For more it visit hear Jono a, ‘oops Visit our Retail Outlet Store from Feb 10th to Feb 28th, when 10% of all retail store sales will be donated to: Heart &Siroke.. 36 Armstrong Ave, Georgetown www.terracottacookies.com rentistry Proudly Serving Georgetown Since 1994, Located inside Georgetown Marketplace Wall georgetowndental.com eordyouy