The Mended Hearts, Inc.
Hearts of Jersey Chapter #179

November 2008

Message from the President

I’m not sure where the time has gone but I find myself preparing for the onslaught of the holiday season. Not that I don’t like the holiday season you understand, it’s just that I have a low resistance level for all the goodies that appear on the table and in the candy dishes all around the house. Of course, she who must be obeyed tells me they are put out for guests. I think it all begins the day after Halloween, all that chocolate is on sale at half price, once they are cleared the stores fill the shelves with Christmas candies, that’s when I forget whether I lived there or whether I’m a guest, some like mushrooms, I like chocolate.

It isn’t just the candy it’s the pies, pumpkin, apple, mincemeat, So much temptation so little time. I guess that goes with the oncoming holiday season. As you read this, if you think to yourself “yes that’s true I forget about my diet very easily.” You can’t write that off as having a senior moment but you might consider it as a temporary loss of memory, often referred to as the “holiday memory.” I have some ideas for you to avoid the agony of January to stimulate your memory. First you need to keep your brain engaged, excuse yourself from the table and go read a book or work a crossword puzzle, play some word games what ever it take to get your mind off the food. Second, you need to be attached to another person who has a similar afflictions, call and talk about how important it is not to over eat. You might even build a circle of friends and called them your “avoid temptation circle.” Third, you need to eat healthy foods, being careful to observe portion sizes, and have lots of fruits and vegetables; you know the foods containing antioxidants. Fourth, you must be active physically aerobic exercises, cardiovascular exercises you know the routine. One of the best exercises is to walk away from the table.

We all know that winter is cold and flu season but are you aware that it’s also heart attack season? No, it isn’t just the food, it’s the season. The cold weather causes the body to have an automatic response that causes the blood vessels to narrow. This can put an increased strain on your heart; cardiac patients don’t need that additional problem. One of the first things you can do is throw away your snow shovel, if the white stuff comes don’t even think about shoveling. If you insist it’s only a light snow fall and you do go out in the cold to shovel snow, the number is 911.

I discussed holiday feasting earlier but didn’t mention some of the other problem areas, things like eggnog, particularly if it’s been spiked. This is also true for other forms of alcohol and alcoholic beverages; even the traditional pint of Guinness. The best word here is moderation. This is a very stressful season and the last thing you need is the stress of the trip to the emergency room so take good care of yourself, you are in charge. Incidentally, if you haven’t had your flu shot yet, do it.

One very good way to begin enjoying the holiday season is to participate in the Celebration of the Heart. Once again, the generosities of the Meridian Health Family invite you to join them at a heart healthy dinner and an evening of camaraderie and pleasure. This year we will have a live band so bring your dancing shoes. Look for the announcement on page 3 and be sure to call the 800 number as soon as possible. Don’t wait to the last minute and be disappointed, seating is limited. I have already called.