February is American Heart Month

In honor of this heart health month we have a few suggestions:

Chiropractic adjustments can help with high blood pressure.  Adjustments of the upper cervical spine can have a positive effect on blood pressure, lowering both the upper and lower readings of your blood pressure significantly for extended periods of time.  Other studies have shown that adjustment of the vertebrae in the neck and lower back can activate specific nervous system reflexes, leading to a decrease in overall heart rate and blood pressure. 

High levels of EPA and DHA have been shown to support healthy function in body systems including cardiovascular, immune, and musculoskeletal.  Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are vital for healthy nervous system function. In addition, fish oils can help lower blood pressure numbers on an average of 3.7 points of the top number and 2.5 of the bottom. One way fish oils help lower blood pressure is by keeping the blood vessels stretchy allowing the blood to flow more easily. Secondly, fish oils act in a similar fashion as blood pressure medications. Fish oils bind to calcium channels just as many blood pressure medications do.

Here are a few more tips from the

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

to keep your heart ticking during this month of love.

Heart Attack Symptoms

-Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.

-Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.

-Chest pain or discomfort.

-Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
-Shortness of breath.
If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, call 9–1–1 immediately.

Heart Health Tips

• Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables—adults should have at least 5 servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol. Limiting salt or sodium in your diet also can lower your blood pressure. 

                                                             

• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI). Doctors sometimes also use waist and hip measurements to measure a person's body fat. If you know your weight and height, you can calculate your BMI at CDC's Assessing Your Weight Web site.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

                                                                 

• Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor's office.
• Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.
• Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one.
• Have your cholesterol checked. Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. Talk with your doctor about this simple blood test.
• Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment options.

For more ideas about simple steps to take every day for better heart health, visit the
full page of tips.