February is American Heart Month: Stress Less!

Learn how to keep your heart healthy this American Heart Month! When we understand our risk factors for heart disease, we can take steps to keep our hearts healthy. Over the next few weeks, we will share information from the National Health Institute and American Heart Association on ways to improve your heart health as part of their #OurHearts initiative.

Tip of the Week: Manage Stress

Research suggests that an emotionally upsetting event, particularly one involving anger, can serve as a trigger for a heart attack or angina in some people. Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors. Some of the ways people cope with stress — drinking alcohol, using other substances, smoking, or overeating — are not healthy ways to manage stress.

Learning how to manage stress and cope with problems can improve your mental and physical health. Consider healthy stress-reducing activities such as:

• Talking to a professional counselor

• Participating in a stress management program

• Practicing meditation

• Being physically active

• Trying relaxation techniques

• Talking with friends, family, and community or religious support systems
  

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Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics