February celebrates heart-health month, and with Valentine’s Day today, you should take more to heart than just a box of chocolates! Since heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world, focus on protecting this vital organ so you can celebrate life and love for years to come!
As cheerful Cupid sharpens his arrow, take note to hone your health this month by cultivating three healthy habits that will get you one step closer to a happier, healthier heart.
Love Can Unclog Arteries!
Loving unconditionally and accepting love from others makes your life not only meaningful but healthy. Researchers have found that tender, loving care reduced atherosclerosis and risk of heart attack in rabbits fed with high amounts of cholesterol. Even watching movies about love or subjects that inspire altruism has been shown to increase levels of immunoglobulin-IGA – the first line of defense against cold and flu viruses.
Outstanding Omegas
We all know the importance of consuming these essential fatty acids, but are you making them as much a part of your daily diet as you should? Scientific research indicates that these healthy fats can prevent a wide range of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, and joint pain.
Omega-3 fats have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can potentially help prevent cancer cell growth. The three most important omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docasahexaenoic acid (DHA).
While our body must convert ALA to DHA and EPA, they can be found directly from cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, halibut, and herring.
If fish is not on your daily lunch special, then try these alternatives: flaxseeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, soybeans, Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and purslane (a succulent green, considered a weed by those who are not in the know).
Commit To Cardio
To maximize the health of your heart, practice at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. You don’t have to run a marathon to reap the benefits of physical activity: a simple brisk walk can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
Walking can also boost your metabolism and immune system, relieve stress, and improve your sleep.
In addition to all of these benefits, exercise can maintain a healthy weight, which is a key factor in disease prevention.
If your boots are not made for walking, then choose an activity that is fun for you so you can keep moving and your heart pumping: swimming, zumba, running, roller skating, cross-country skiing, bicycling, jumping rope – to name a few good choices!
Loving Family Equals Long Life
Centenarians are beloved by their family members, and studies show that people with happy family lives tend to have less illness and a longer life span.
A good familial relationship does not necessarily come automatically, but it is worth the personal effort to build and maintain one. Investing in your relationships can pay dividends in a life rich in love, respect, and a sense of belonging.
Fill your family with happiness based on trust, mutual help, love, peace, listening, humility, honesty, justice and sharing.
Stress Less, Live Longer
Modern life can be overwhelming with the daily stresses that life throws at us. Unfortunately, overloading our system with too much work, rapid-paced technological gadgets, and too little rest can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure and heart disease.
It is essential to find ways to minimize daily stress and information overload. Try limiting the amount of time you spend on your iPhone and Blackberry, checking email or surfing the Internet. Instead of tuning into the tube, perhaps you can devote that time to a relaxing bath, quiet reading, or a calming yoga practice.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine, and board certified anti-aging expert. He has recently appeared on “The Ricki Lake Show,” “Dr. Oz,” and contributes to Yahoo Health and The Huffington Post. Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition, and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, Newport Beach, and Pasadena. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni, founded the Tao of Wellness more than 25 years ago in addition to founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey. To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter, visit www.taoofwellness.com.
