6 Surprising Habits That Could Be Raising Your Heart Disease Risk
According to the CDC, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for more than a century. Despite incredible advances in testing, early detection, surgical procedures, and medications, cardiovascular disease continues to claim more lives than any other condition. Why? One major reason is that many adults are unknowingly increasing their risk through everyday habits. Some of these risk factors are obvious. Others may surprise you. Here are six...
The Hidden Causes of Belly Fat (It Isn't Just Diet and Exercise)
According to the CDC, nearly three out of four American adults are overweight or obese. It's safe to say there's no shortage of belly fat—but is all belly fat created equal? And what's really driving this epidemic of expanding waistlines? Is it simply that we're eating too much? Or is there more to it than that? Let's take a look at some of the biggest factors behind stubborn belly fat and, more importantly, what...
The Truth About Cholesterol: What Most People Don't Know About Heart Health
I would dare say that there is no subject in this world that is as falsely portrayed and completely misunderstood as cholesterol. The extent of most people’s knowledge of cholesterol is that it’s the demon that clogs arteries and leads to heart disease, and that the magic numbers to strive for are: Total cholesterol under 200 LDL cholesterol under 100 HDL cholesterol at 60 or higher And if your blood tests show you're in...
Omega-3 Benefits: Heart, Brain, Inflammation, and More
I get my inspiration for the articles I write in a variety of ways. Talking with folks about their health concerns, reading literature and studies from experts I trust, scanning (garbage) literature from sources I don’t trust (so I’m aware of all the bad information that’s out there), and even observing people in the airport or grocery store! All of these may trigger an idea for a blog. But today’s inspiration comes from yours...
A Christmas Eve-Eve Message from the Heart
On this very special “Christmas Eve-Eve,” I would like to share this heartfelt message with you: Many people tend to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but please try not to get stressed out. Christmas will be just as special even if you don’t get all the cookies baked or the cards sent out. (FYI—I just mailed my cards two days ago!) A casual dinner is just...
- Tags: Heart & Circulation
Heart Attack Warning Signs, Prevention Tips, and the Daily Habits That Protect Your Heart
People often ask me where I get my motivation to work out consistently and maintain a healthy diet. Easy: Motivation usually comes from wanting to create something positive—or avoid something painful. In my case, I have a heavy reminder in my family history. My dad (who would have turned 106 today) had his first heart attack at just 35 years old. His second heart attack took his life at age 58, when I was...