12 Things to Do to Prevent a Heart Attack

It's easy to feel out of control when a heart attack strikes. So, how best should you handle this situation when you're recovering from a heart attack? Following these doctor-recommended tips will strengthen your heart and reclaim your health. 

1. You have the power to improve
Patients have a great opportunity to take control of their cardiac health after a heart attack thanks to advancements in medications and technologies. By sticking to certain lifestyle changes and following the medicines prescribed by your doctor, you can significantly lower your chances of a second heart attack or stroke. 
2. Find out what triggered your heart attack
While it's not always possible to know what caused a heart attack, most of the time, lifestyle factors tend to be the culprit. A heart attack is not always caused by high cholesterol levels or hypertension, it could be triggered by a smoking habit. For this reason, it is highly advised that you quit smoking. Doctors place smoking at the top of their to-do list for patients who have had a heart attack. In fact, not giving up smoking after a heart attack may likely cause you to have another heart attack, or possibly die from one. Thankfully, today, there are many medications that can help you quit smoking for good. 
3. Understand all your medications
Once you've had a heart attack, your physician will likely prescribe a number of medications for you to take, in which case, it is important to know what the side effects are. But, popping a pill is not enough. Part of the healing process includes a number of lifestyle changes including losing weight, exercising among other things. More and more evidence shows that lifestyle changes are probably more important than the medical interventions.
4. Enroll in rehab
Attending a supervised program of exercise and lifestyle changes is key to reducing your risk of a repeat heart attack. If a rehabilitation process is not provided to you at the hospital, ask your physician how you may enroll in one. Furthermore, if you're unable to physically attend a program, it is possible to do so virtually in which you would sign up for text messages from the program to receive reminders about daily exercise and dietary changes. 
5. Graze on more fruits and veggies
A heart-healthy diet prioritizes fruits and vegetables and includes low-fat dairy products as well as whole-grain foods. A Mediterranean diet which is loaded with produce and fish is believed to significantly lower the risk of stroke and heart attack. The study also suggests that eating more healthy food is more important than cutting out unhealthy ones.
6. Limit calories
One of the many ways to control your blood pressure is to maintain a healthy weight. Bear in mind that the goal is weight management and not weight loss, and for this reason, limiting calories should become a part of your lifestyle change, not a temporary 3- to 6- month diet to lose weight which you will put back on. Aim to reduce your portions significantly as much as possible. 
7. Be active
Exercise is essential, after all, the heart is a muscle. And if you don't use muscles, they don't stay strong. So, the only way to use the heart is to make it work, and you do that through exercise. Of course, this doesn't mean that you need to go to the gym several times a week. Any activity that makes your heart beat faster will do. This could be a brisk walk around the block or taking the stairs at work. 
8. Take care of your gums
A link between heart disease and oral health. It has been found that bacteria that causes gum disease may spread throughout the rest of the body, increasing inflammation that can worsen a whole range of conditions. So keep your gums healthy with routine brushing, flossing, and visits to your dentist.
9. Manage stress
Because stress is associated with high blood pressure, it's very important to find the right ways to cope. Instead of relieving anxiety by reaching for a drink or lighting a cigarette, turn to relaxing breathing exercises or meditation. 
10. Keep your follow-up appointments
While for some people it can be challenging to get to the doctor, attending your follow-up appointments is key to maintaining long-term health. These appointments can help your doctors stay on top of your condition and your recovery, monitoring your treatment plan. 
11. Post-heart attack depression is normal—and treatable
If after a heart attack you feel as though you've lost interest in things you used to love, are avoiding friends and family, or you feel moody, it may indicate depression. It's important for someone who's had a heart attack to understand that depression is common and treatable. Sometimes, all it requires is temporary, short-term care, be it medication or talk therapy to help you get past it. 
12. Manage stress
Stress is a cause of high blood pressure and for this reason, it is important to find the right ways to cope. Try to find a way to relax with breathing exercises or meditation, as opposed to reaching for a drink or lighting a cigarette.  

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                      PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

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5 Things You Should Never Microwave

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-
HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM         

FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG

HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/

FOR CROCHET DESIGNS- http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com/

 

The microwave is a very common, and often used, kitchen appliance. It's a great tool for heating up last night's dinner or a quick "2 minute meal". However, the microwave ovens we know today, the same that cook the food we eat, are descended from the radar boxes of the Second World War. Invented by Percy L. Spencer, who was a radar technician during the war, microwave ovens use electromagnetic energy that is very similar to radio waves. Due to this heating method, microwaves emit non-ionizing radiation, which studies show can affect our blood and heart. The effects of this radiation can lead to certain types of intestinal and stomach cancers. That being said, there is no need to fear. Microwaves today go through many extensive tests and safety procedures to make sure they are safe to use. But while we are safe standing next to them, what happens to the food we heat inside of them? Here are 5 things you should never put in the microwave as it will damage the food, and perhaps also the people who'll eat it.

Breast Milk

Breast milk is essential in providing a newborn with powerful bacteria-fighting and nutritious materials. Heating breast milk in the microwave, on either high or low temperatures, has been found to destroy those beneficial substances, and worse. In the same tests, conducted by the "Journal of Pediatrics", it was found that the heated milk also has greater E-coli growth, a harmful bacteria for humans and babies in particular.

Broccoli

Considered a very healthy vegetable, broccoli has been found to lose up to 97% of its beneficial antioxidants during microwave cooking. While it's true that all forms of cooking destroy some nutrients in the food we eat, this is truly an extreme example.

Defrosted Meat

Researchers found that meat cooked for over 6 minutes in a microwave loses half of its vitamin B-12 content. Another big danger is that parts of the meat that have been defrosted, but are still in the microwave as it works, are bacteria heaven. Since defrosting meat can take quite a long time there is a very real danger of either overcooked meat, or under-cooked meat full of bacteria. You are much better off defrosting meat in the fridge overnight and cooking it in some other way.

Frozen Fruit

While buying frozen foods and fruits is not a bad idea, defrosting those frozen fruits in the microwave is a very bad one. Studies from the late 70′s showed that defrosting frozen fruit in a microwave, is converting beneficial glucoside and galactaside (types of sugar) in the fruit to carcinogenic substances. On a simpler note, microwaved fruits tend to shrink, wrinkle and lose their delicious texture. Frozen fruit are instead best thawed in the fridge or simply at room temperature.

Plastic wrap or plastic containers

Heating food in plastic containers or covered by plastic wrap can release many harmful toxins and chemicals directly into your food. The dangers include toluene, a substance (a little like paint thinner) that inhaling may potentially cause severe neurological harm, benzene, which increases the risk of cancer, and several other chemicals. While many containers today are "microwave safe", it's still a good idea to avoid using them.

5 Thing You Should Never Microwave

The microwave is a very common, and often used, kitchen appliance. It's a great tool for heating up last night's dinner or a quick "2 minutes meal". However, the microwave ovens we know today, the same that cook the food we eat, are descended from the radar boxes of the Second World War. Invented by Percy L. Spencer, who was a radar technician during the war, microwave ovens use electromagnetic energy that is very similar to radio waves. Due to this heating method, microwaves emit non-ionizing radiation, which studies show can affect our blood and heart. The effects of this radiation can lead to certain types of intestinal and stomach cancers. That being said, there is no need to fear. Microwaves today go through many extensive testing and safety procedures to make sure they are safe to use. But while we are safe standing next to them, what happens to the food we heat inside of them?Here are 5 things you should never put in the microwave as it will damage the food, and maybe also the people who'll eat it.

Breast Milk

Breast milk is essential in providing a newborn with powerful bacteria-fighting and nutritious materials. Heating breast milk in the microwave, on either high or low temperatures, has been found to destroy those beneficial substances, and worse. In the same tests, made by The "Journal of Pediatrics", it was found that the heated milk also has greater E-coli growth, a harmful bacteria for humans and babies in particular.

Broccoli

Considered a very healthy vegetable, broccoli has been found to lose up to 97% of its beneficial antioxidants during microwave cooking. While it's true that all form of cooking destroys some nutrients in the food we eat, this is truly an extreme example.

Defrosted Meat

Researchers found that meat cooked for over 6 minutes in a microwave loses half of its vitamin B-12 content. Another big danger is that parts of the meat that have been defrosted, but are still in the microwave as it works, are a bacteria heaven. Since defrosting meat can take quite a long time there is a very real danger of either overcooked meat, or under-cooked meat full of bacteria. You are much better off defrosting meat in the fridge overnight and cooking it in some other way.

Frozen Fruit

While buying frozen foods and fruits is not a bad idea, defrosting those frozen fruits in the microwave is a very bad one. Studies from the late 70′s showed that defrosting frozen fruit in a microwave, is converting beneficial glucoside and galactaside (types of sugar) in the fruit to carcinogenic substances. On a simpler note, microwaved fruits tend to shrink, wrinkle and lose their delicious texture. Frozen fruit are instead best thawed in the fridge or simply at room temperature.

Plastic wrap or plastic containers

Heating food in plastic containers or covered by plastic wrap can release many harmful toxins and chemicals directly into your food. The dangers include Touene, a sustenance that inhaling it has potential to cause severe neurological harm. Benzene, which increases the risk of cancer and many many more chemicals. While many containers today are "microwave safe", it's still a good idea to avoid using them.  THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/   FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR CROCHET DESIGNS HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM