The holidays are known for a time of eating, travel, alcohol consumption, and for some, stress. Whether it’s family interactions or finances that make your blood boil this time of year, the holidays are also known to be a dangerous time for heart attacks. What’s worse, many people ignore symptoms of a heart attack, assuming they are indicative of a season illness or Christmas tree allergy.
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach
Tips to Stay Healthy this Holiday Season
Of course, there are some precautions you can take to maintain a healthy heart throughout the holiday season.
- Start your day with a healthy food like egg whites or berries that will sustain and give you energy. Ultimately, your goal should be to limit processed foods and sugar in your diet. Opt for the veggie platters, olives, or dark chocolate at family gatherings.
- Limit your alcohol intake. Binge drinking can lead to dizziness as well as the dreaded holiday weight gain. By replacing just one drink with water, you’ll save at least 100 calories and help yourself keep hydrated.
- Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Creating the “perfect” Christmas for your family may not be an achievable feat, and you shouldn’t drive yourself crazy trying to get there. Try to remove unrealistic expectations from your to-do list and just enjoy spending time with your loved ones.
- Stay active. It can be hard to stay motivated, but you’ll be happy you did. Whether it’s a walk or run to check out Christmas lights or a quick trip to the gym, exercise is the ultimate stress reliever.
- Make some “me” time. It’s always difficult to find personal time between holiday plays, parties, parades, and other events but it’s important to find a way to decompress. Sometimes, a bubble bath or a massage is all that’s necessary to reset mentally.
Happy holidays from the team at Cardiac Care & Safety, Inc!