February is National Heart Health Month

In 2010, a committee of experts with the American Heart Association came up with a strategic plan to reduce cardiovascular disease in the United States. The committee studied the scientific literature and identified seven of the most important behaviors people can follow to protect their cardiovascular health.
Exercise: Regular exercise improves nearly every aspect of your health.
Eat right: Seek out foods such as nuts, whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, seafood, yogurt, and healthy fats.
Blood Pressure: Get your blood pressure checked, make sure your heart isn’t working harder than it should be.
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Blood Pressure: Get your blood pressure checked, make sure your heart isn’t working harder than it should be.
Lower your cholesterol: Know your cholesterol, keep your eyes on your levels.
Know your blood sugar: Exercise and eat right to keep blood sugar levels down.
Maintain a healthy weight: Fat cells release many substances that increase inflammation, promote insulin resistance, and contribute to atherosclerosis.
Don’t smoke: Smoking and the use of tobacco products isn’t just bad for your lungs, it is bad for your heart too.

Learn more at www.heart.org

 

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Beating the Winter Blues

Shorter days, lack of sunlight and colder weather are all contributors to what many call the “Winter Blues”. You may call it this, but it is actually a very real type of depression called Season Affective Disorder or SAD. According to the MAYO Clinic*, the specific cause of seasonal affective disorder remains unknown. Some factors that may come into play include:
1. Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression.
2. Serotonin levels drop. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression.
3. Melatonin levels may be disrupted by the change in season. This can play a role in sleep patterns and mood.
The Mayo Clinic* offers these tips to help beat the “Winter Blues”: Get outside for some natural sunlight, exercise regularly and stay engaged socially.
Often times during the winter months people stay inside due to inclement weather. It is easy to just stay tucked away in your apartment. Get out and socialize. At Copperfield Hill, with numerous outings and activities, there is always something to do and someone to do it with! Exercise classes, walks in the atrium or even a trip to the grocery store can increase your energy level and lighten your mood.

*www.mayoclinic.org

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January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage your optic nerve. The optic nerve supplies visual information to your brain from your eyes.
Glaucoma is usually (not always), the result of abnormally high pressure inside your eye. Over time, increased pressure can erode your optic nerve tissue, which may lead to vision loss or even blindness. If caught early, vision loss can be avoided. The most common symptom of glaucoma is gradual vision loss. Risk factors include: age, ethnicity, medical history, chronic eye problems and injury. Glaucoma can be diagnosed by a comprehensive eye exam by a qualified ophthalmologist.
Treatment includes eye drops and if advanced treatment is needed, surgery may be required. Glaucoma can’t be prevented, so it is very important to catch it early with a regular eye exam. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a perfect opportunity to educate yourself on this sight robbing disease.
Learn more at:

https://www.glaucoma.org/news/glaucoma-awareness-month.php

https://www.healthline.com

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