Christmas and New Years are wonderful holidays. Often, because of distance and other circumstances this may be the only time of the year your family gets together. Spirits and attitudes are generally high as most everyone expects to have a good time. However, the risk of a heart attack peaks during this holiday period, because you may relax some of the health habits you normally practice, and imbibe more food and drink than you normally do. If you are at risk for a heart attack, this change in behavior might be enough to push you over the edge.
Simply put, a heart attack is brought on when blood and oxygen cannot reach a section of your heart, because of a blockage. The blockage results from plak that over the years builds inside your arteries, and eventually blocks them. This condition is known as Coronary Artery Disease. (CAD) Numerous reasons abound for the onset of a heart attack. Maybe you are shoveling snow, or in the middle of a stressful situation, and your heart needs the boost of energy it gets from receiving oxygen and blood, but it can’t because of CAD. Maybe you ate too much in the way of fatty foods and drank fatty drinks like eggnog, and your veins constrict not allowing enough blood and oxygen to your heart.
However, the reasons for an attack are secondary, it is awareness of the symptoms that is primary. When a heart attack occurs, the time it takes get you treatment is of paramount importance, so your awareness of what may be going on in your body is necessary. According to the article, “Don’t Be a Holiday Heart Attack,” denial may be the most prevalent reason your heart attack may be fatal. It is better to err on the side of caution, than vice versa.
If you have pains in your chest don’t brush it off as heartburn and simply take an anti-acid, be aware of other symptoms. Do you feel discomfort in your chest such as pressure, or a squeezing sensation? Do you have a feeling of fullness in your chest, and do these feelings come and go? Is your pain expanding to either one or both your arms, to your back, stomach, neck, or jaw? Are you short of breath, even with out any pain or discomfort, have you broken out in a cold sweat, and are you nauseous or lightheaded? If you exhibit any of these symptoms first call 911, then chew and swallow an aspirin. In addition, remember that hospitals are often understaffed on holidays, and it may take you longer to get treatment.
When it comes to prevention, the word is moderation. Don’t shock your body with excess food, don’t spend a lot of time at the buffet table, and easy on chip and dips. If turkey or chicken is part of the main course eat more of it, because it has less fat content. You know all the health hints, now observe them, and don’t help the holidays be the death of you.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
John Santa: Don’t be a Holiday Heart Attack: yahoo.net
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Both Happy and Merry are one and the same. But Happy denotes Content, whereas Merry means, correct me if i am wrong - eat ,drink and be merry. Nothing wrong in eating and drinking, but i agree with Hugh that "Moderation" should be main criteria, for a Happy holiday.
