Looking to Improve Your Heart Health? Reduce Your Stress
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 1 in 3 women has a form of cardiovascular disease. And, heart disease is the leading cause of hospital stays for men in the United States. Due to the prevalence of the disease, the AHA recognizes each February as American Heart Month in hopes of raising awareness about the disease and how to prevent it.
Stress and Heart Health
While there are risk factors that contribute to heart disease that you can’t control, there are many things you can do to maintain your heart health. One of those things is to reduce your stress.
When stress is excessive, it can contribute to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure. If high blood pressure goes untreated, it can result in heart disease.
Reducing Your Stress
Taking steps to reduce your stress will improve your overall health. Try these tips:
- Plan and prioritize your most important responsibilities.
- Listen to relaxing music to help you calm down.
- Take time off from work to clear your mind.
- Exercise regularly to get your blood and endorphins flowing.
When to Seek Help
If the stresses in your life become more than you can bear or manage with these simple techniques, consider seeking professional assistance. A knowledgeable professional will be able to work with you to devise time management skills and stress-reducing techniques.
Fast Facts About Your Heart ♥
Over 750,000 Americans die each year due to heart disease. That’s one death every 40 seconds.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Total Calories | 239 |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 486 mg |
| Total Sugars | 2 g |
Gingery Quinoa with Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 ½ cups water or broth
- 2 cups green beans
- 2 ½ Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
Preparations
- Toast quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.
- Put quinoa in a medium pot and add water or broth.
- Bring to a boil, then let simmer until all of the water is absorbed and quinoa is tender (10-20 minutes).
- Set aside and leave uncovered to cool.
- While quinoa is cooling, microwave the green beans until just tender.
- Rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, olive oil or cooking oil, sesame oil, green beans, lemon juice, soy sauce and ground ginger. Stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve at room temperature.
Makes: 6 servings