HEALTHY HEART NEWS
Volume 13 | December 2018
Beverly Keefer, Director of Cardiovascular Services /Anthony Patrello, Medical Director of SLCH Cardiovascular Institute
St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital’s Cardiovascular Institute is committed to you and our community. We pride ourselves on being an engaged partner with the many constituencies that we serve. As part of our commitment to meeting your heart health needs, we have developed this quarterly newsletter filled with information that can improve the quality of, and in some cases, help save your life. If there are topics that you would like to see covered in future editions, please e-mail Beverly Keefer, Director of Cardiovascular Services, Cardiac Cath and Interventional Radiology at bkeefer@slchospital.org. As we close out 2018, it's the time of year when most people take time to reflect on the past and look forward to a new year with a fresh clean slate. Every year millions of people set resolutions with the hope of bringing a positive change in their life. For those looking to improve their health, the start of a new year is the perfect time to give up some of our unhealthy habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR THE NEW YEAR GET SUFFICIENT SLEEP This is the most obvious, yet often ignored health tip. Most people need nearly eight hours of sleep every night, yet so many neglect this basic need of our body. Research has shown that long-term sleep loss can lead to health disorders like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, depression, and heart attack. Insufficient sleep also weakens your immunity, which makes your body vulnerable to illness. Poor sleeping habits, stress, work pressure, and an uncomfortable sleeping environment are some of the reasons behind the lack of sleep. So, this new year, fix your sleep routine and aim to improve your health! DRINK ENOUGH WATER This is another simple, yet often overlooked way to improve your health. It is important to drink 2 to 3 liters of water every day. If you find plain water too boring, you can also meet your hydration needs through healthy alternatives like coconut water, homemade vegetable juice, and water-rich foods like watermelon and oranges. TRY EXERCISE Exercise gives health benefits if incorporated appropriately into your lifestyle. Start out with simple exercises and work your way up to an exercise routine with the help of your physician. Simply set aside 20-30 minutes every day and reap the immense benefits of getting your body in shape.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DIET Following the right diet for improving your overall health cannot be stressed enough. This new year, resolve to eat as much healthy food as you can. It is important to reduce your intake of processed sugar and replace it with healthier choices. Take a look at what your diet and health have been like for the last 12 months. Think about these questions and write down your answers so that you can share with your medical doctor. • How does your weight compare with a year ago? • Do you feel healthy and have a lot of energy or are you tired all the time? • Do you eat at home most of the time? If so, what types of foods? Whole fresh food, boxed foods, or prepared frozen dinners? • Do you dine out frequently? What types of restaurants do you like and what kinds of food do you choose? • How physically active are you? Do you exercise regularly? • Do you eat healthy portions? • Do you smoke? • How much alcohol do you drink each week?
It is important to take an honest look at your health and dietary habits. As you start the new year, remember it is important to make your health a priority and review the answers to the above questions with your health provider. Doing so will allow for setting goals for the new year. Most importantly whatever your goal is, remember to make it obtainable. Instead of focusing on changing all aspects of your life at one time, choose 1-2 items you can work toward, achieve and build upon. For 2019, try to make changes that will not last only a week or a month, but a lifetime.
WANT TO HEAR MORE?
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One more important tip— Each year shoveling snow sends more than 11,000 people to the hospital. Snow shoveling is hard work and puts a strain on the heart. People who have heart disease should not perform strenuous activity. doing so can trigger a heart attack. The cold temperatures can also increase the risk of heart attacks as the cold can increase blood pressure.
St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital Cardiovascular Institute | (845) 561-4400 | www.stlukescornwallhospital.org