HEART

INTO YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!

Do you know why our resolutions every January seem to turn into guilt trips every February? Because our hearts aren’t in it. Clearly, we need more incentive. So, for the resolution-challenged among us, we offer our list of the Top 12 New Year’s Resolutions with heart .

1. STOP SMOKING

Yes, we know. Smoking is bad for you, you heard. You know all the reasons, too. So, quit it. Your heart will thank you.

2. EAT YOUR VEGGIES (AND FRUITS)

Mom was right. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, folic acid, fiber and potassium — all nutrients that help prevent heart disease, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

3. HAVE A DRINK

Science tells us that moderate drinkers tend to have healthier hearts than teetotalers. Alcohol seems to raise HDL (good cholesterol). Wine is especially good. It thins the blood and helps keep arteries from taking in LDL (bad cholesterol). Moderate means 1 drink — 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor.

4. EAT CHOCOLATE

Dark chocolate (at least 70 percent cocoa) contains antioxidants called flavonoids that destroy cancer-causing free radicals. Dark chocolate also reduces cholesterol and boosts feel-good endorphins. Sweet.

5. LAUGH MORE

Research shows that a real knee-slapper has the same physical benefits as a miniworkout. In fact, 100 to 200 laughs equate to 10 minutes of jogging or rowing. Blood flow gets a 20 percent boost and reduces the risk of developing heart disease.

6. GET A DOG

Survival rates for heart attack victims are 28 percent higher for those with pets. Pets are relaxing — they reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) levels in the blood. Plus, Fido may even get you up and out for a walk now and then — also good.

7. KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

High blood pressure or cholesterol (LDL, HDL and triglycerides) will double your chances for developing heart disease in the next six years. Add smoking to the mix and your chances increase to eight times.

8. GET CHECKUPS

Heart disease is called “the silent killer” for a reason. This year, over 600,000 people won’t hear it coming until it is too late. So, listen to your doctor and beat our Number 1 cause of death.

9. SO EXERCISE ALREADY

This may be the most abused resolution of them all. Too bad, because exercise helps us physically, mentally, and emotionally. It helps our hearts, lungs, and bones, while reducing fat, blood pressure, and stress. Not enough for you? How about — you will look better in your clothes!

10. LOSE WEIGHT

Most abused resolution number 2. But take heart and start slowly. Just a five to ten percent reduction in body weight can improve blood pressure, lower diabetes risk, and improve cholesterol. Keep it up and according to The American Institute for Cancer Research, a healthy diet and exercise can reduce cancer risk by thirty to forty percent.

11. BE A “HALF FULL” PERSON

Mayo Clinic researchers in 2002 proved that optimists reduce their risk of early death by 50 percent.

12. LOVE YOUR HIPS

Did you know hip fat contains a natural anti-inflammatory called adiponectin that prevents arteries from swelling and becoming blocked? It’s true. A Danish study in 1998 concluded that women with the biggest hips reduced their risk of coronary disease by 86 percent. Just saying…

So, put some heart into this year’s resolutions and have a happier, healthier New Year!