“One World, One Home, One Heart” is the theme that was chosen by the World Heart Federation  for this year World Heart Day which will be observed globally on Friday, September 29^th!  The World Heart Federation and the  American Heart Association are united in their efforts in bringing awareness to Cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the leading cause of deathin the U.S. for both men and women claiming 17.1 million lives a year.  By 2030, it is estimated that almost 23.6 million people will die from CVDs.  To fit this year’s theme of “One World, One Home, One Heart”, I’ve compiled a room by room list of how we can make our home heart healthy. 

HOME:  Try and keep it nicotine free on World Heart Day.

LIVING ROOM:  Though some might consider neutral colors boring, color experts say these shades create an air of tranquility. Poof! That bad day you just had at work or school is suddenly gone when you walk into your neutral colored living room. If that doesn’t do it for you, play your favorite tunes in the living room. Researchers from the University of Maryland showed that listening to your favorite tunes may have a healthy effect on your heart.

DINING ROOM:  Replace your dining room table centerpiece with a bowl of apples. The pectin in apples lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.

KITCHEN:  Prepare a heart healthy meal tonight!!!  Search online for some great heart healthy recipes. Again, I refer to the American Heart Association they have tons of good ones.   Feel free to enjoy a glass of red wine along with your meal.

FAMILY ROOM:  Don’t just sit and watch the television tonight, GET UP and watch it!  Find a fitness channel or join the kids playing Wii. Better yet, if you can stomach it, watch one episode of Yo Gabba Gabba  and see if you don’t break out in a sweat.  Most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days per week.

BATHROOM: Practice good dental health. It’s been proven that gum disease leads to heart disease. So brush and don’t forget to floss.

KID’S BEDROOM:  Find an age appropriate book about heart health and read it as a bedtime story. There’s one called “The Adventures of Captain Heart” for 3-7 years old. The book features a heart that is a superhero who helps a young boy and his grandfather become strong again by eating right and exercising. A child is never too young to be introduced to good healthy habits. Studies show that by the time children start kindergarten, 40% will have one or more risk factors for heart disease (obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes).  Don’t have kids? You’ve just increased your life by 15 years! (okay, that’s just my opinion)

MASTER BEDROOM:  Finally, it’s now time for you to retire to the room I refer to as the oasis of all rooms.  What is the best way to end the day and do your heart good at the same time?   Prayer…..and what were you thinking?  Do your heart a favor and relieve it of the day’s stress by praying and getting a good night’s sleep. You will be much more refreshed to face the next day. Your heart will thank you, your coworkers might even thank you. However, if a lack of sleep seems to be a real problem for you, seek medical advice. As some sleep problems may be an underlying cause of heart disease.

Congratulations! You have just created a heart healthy home for you, your loved ones and all who enter. Treat yourself to a piece of dark chocolate….not only does it assist in lowering blood pressure, but there’s an ingredient in it that gobbles up the bad stuff that can lead to heart disease.  I read somewhere that you can change your life just by changing your heart. I think this holds true but in a spiritural and physical way. Excuse me now while I run out to look for some neutral color paint on sale.

Andrea Jacobs is the Administrative Secretary II/Marketing Coordinator for the Heart and Vascular Center at The University of Toledo Medical Center, a member of both the UTMC Marketing Group and an external marketing group, Team Leader for the Heart Walk and secretary for the Patient and Customer Engagement Service Excellence Team. She is proud to say that she was born and raised in Toledo. The biggest kept secret are the “chicken wings” at City Hall, tell Abe she sent you. Andrea’s career with UTMC began in 1988. Through the years she has worked in various departments and along with the many friends she has gained, she has gained a wealth of experience and the bottomless energy to learn more. She feels privilege to have been a part of the many changes at UTMC and excited about its future. Stay tuned for future blogs from her regarding “matters of the heart”. When she is not busy at work, you can find her out and about town with 1 or maybe all 6 of her grandkids in tow.
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This entry was posted on Monday, September 26th, 2011 at 10:06 am and is filed under Uncategorized.
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