Manage Stress To Beat Heart Disease

The American Psychological Association (APA) has released tips to help prevent the building up of stress as the emphasis is on prevention during the National Heart Month. Research has shown that 20 percent of Americans fear that stress will have an adverse impact on their health and 20 percent deal with this by drinking alcohol.

"Achieving a healthy lifestyle comes from adopting behaviors over time that help to manage stress in effective ways that don't at the same time take a toll on your physical health and body," said Russ Newman, Ph.D., J.D., APA executive director for professional practice. There are many lifestyle modifications that help individuals manage stress and deal with it so that cardiovascular disease can be prevented. * Individuals are advised to locate when they are likely to be more stressed and avoid such situations. Managing stress will not only prevent heart disease, but also aid in quick recovery from heart attacks. * Have a quite chat with your doctor on the methods to overcome stress and start your own plan for it. * Avoid getting into depression. Reduced energy, feeling sad or listless and sleep disorders are just some warning signs of heart disease. If these persist for more than two weeks consult your doctor. * Do not try to solve everything at once. Take one-step at a time for example modify your eating habits first and then tackle the rest. * Make sure you talk to friends and family about your problems. Social and emotional support goes a long way in helping individuals tackle heart problems. * Finally, if you are finding it tough to manage, consult a qualified psychologist. To download APA's pre-packaged news segment on heart health or to capture mind/body health sound bites, please visit http://apahelpcenter.mediaroom.com. Contact: Peter Wilson [email protected] 202-336-5910 American Psychological Association Practice Directorate