Posts Tagged ‘exercise’

Manage stress
If stress isn’t properly controlled or managed, it can lead to further physiological damage like high blood pressure.  This, in turn, will greatly exacerbate your chances of heart attack or stroke.  Try starting with simple relaxation techniques like controlled breathing and meditation.  Focus on each breath entering and exiting your lungs, and imagine your stress leaving you every time you exhale.

Exercise
It’s becoming ever more obvious that most of us aren’t getting the proper amount of exercise, especially this time of year.  With the busy schedules that most of us carry, it doesn’t often allow for that extra hour to hit the gym.  Studies have shown that even moderate amounts of aerobic, physical activity can help reduce the risk of heart disease.  Try incorporating things into your regular day that can help, like taking the stairs for example.

Quit smoking
Studies show that smokers have more than double the risk of heart disease than non smokers.  It’s easier said than done, but if you smoke, quit.  There are many aids available to help you along the way, and while they still contain nicotine, they are much safer than the alternative.  These range from patches and gums, to prescription medications, and even newer ideas like electronic cigarettes.






Oral health
It’s estimated that 35% of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease or periodontal disease.  You might think it an uncommon link, but recent studies have shown otherwise.  One theory is that damaged tissues in the mouth like gum pockets (areas where the gums have pulled away from the teeth) can allow harmful bacteria to enter the blood stream where they can begin to form plaque in the arteries.

70 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium, and only 30 to 40 percent of people get at least 75 percent of the daily recommended value of it, which is 400 milligrams. In relation to headaches and migraines, magnesium effects the production of pain managing chemicals in the brain like serotonin. It also helps to open blood vessels in the brain, thereby improving circulation and reducing tension. Dr. Burton Altura, professor of physiology and medicine at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn stated that 50 to 60 percent of his migraine patients were deficient in magnesium, but once they began treatment of the proper daily amounts they often experienced immediate relief.

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and boosts production of the feel-good hormones called endorphins, which in turn help to fight migraines. Physical activity will also help to release and relieve muscle tension that adds to stress related headaches. A study of over 43,000 Swedish people showed that both men and women alike were less likely to experience migraines or recurring headaches if they got 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise 5 times a week.

In some cases you can prevent a migraine from coming to fruition by performing simple acupressure treatments on yourself when you feel their symptoms begin to materialize. Use your right thumb on the webbing at the base of your left thumb and index finger, and your right index finger on the palm side. Apply pressure and massage/squeeze the area with short, circular motions for a couple of minutes. Repeat the same action on the right.