Getting well, staying well
No matter how lucky or careful a person is, it is practically impossible to spend all one’s days without illness. When confronted with a life-changing health condition, there are many important ways one can take charge and manage it effectively. In this series, we take a close look at the things you should know in order to be the best custodian of your own wellness.
Alcohol and Heart Disease: What's the Relationship?
/ JUNE 21, 2018
There are several factors that can affect a person's risk for heart disease. Some, like heredity, cannot be controlled. Others, such as alcohol consumption, can be controlled. But the relationship between alcohol and heart disease is more complicated than you might think.
What to Do After a Fall: The Right Steps to Take
Falls can happen to anyone. In the United States, as many as one in four adults over age 65 suffers from a fall each year. Even though many falls aren't serious, others can cause real damage. Some falls can cause bruises, sprains, or even broken bones. And if you hit your head when you fall, you could be at risk for complications like a concussion or brain injury.
JUNE 20, 2018
Stress and the Heart: How Are They Connected?
There is a definite connection between stress and the heart. We all need some stress in our lives in order to function. For example, fear and stress help us react when we're in dangerous situations, and stress due to upcoming deadlines helps some people perform better. But when stress is elevated to the level that it affects us physically or mentally, it's no longer healthy, especially for the heart. When this happens, we need to reduce our stress levels before they cause damage.
How to Check Your Blood Pressure: Monitoring Your Heart Health at Home
Your blood pressure can offer you and your doctor several clues to your overall health. Should you check your blood pressure at home? Why or why not? We'll start off with some basic information about what your blood pressure reading is telling you and how to check your blood pressure, then explore examples of people who may benefit from checking their blood pressure more regularly at home.
Cardiac Catheterization: What to Expect
Cardiac catheterization is one of the most common methods doctors use to diagnose heart conditions. It sounds scary, but this test can help your doctor evaluate certain cardiac symptoms to create a treatment plan that will be as effective as possible.
JUNE 13, 2018