A Match Made in Heaven: Love and Heart Health
Being Happy and Healthy During the Collapse of Western Civ
To make this post controversial and political, I first need to bring up the fact that very young people are dropping dead from heart failure at an alarming rate, more than likely due to the Clot Shots (wrote about it here last week). If you are one of the unfortunate ones who were forced to take the Clot Shot, or, fell for the hoax, there are ways to try and minimize your risk. I didn’t take the Clot Shot, so I cannot vouch for the detox protocols, but, if they bring us to more health and are not harmful, I can’t see a downside.
Valentine's Day is a time for romance, roses, and (dark) chocolates. Yet, beyond the sweet confections and heartfelt cards, it's also an opportune moment to reflect on a different aspect of the heart—its health. For health seekers everywhere, this day of love can also serve as a reminder of the connection between love, exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and longevity.
For almost 20-years now, I have been traveling the world in my quest for peace and justice. The whole Covid shamdemic brought an end to that, but, it did give me the opportunity to pause for a few heartbeats (pun intended) and work on Cindy. Health was always important to me, but becoming a rebel to the “health” “care” system in the U.S. has transformed me from being “American healthy” to being plain-old healthy in the most holistic way I am able in a diseased society.
It's no secret that the emotional heart and the physical heart are intricately linked. Feelings of love and affection can lead to a happier life and play a role in the overall wellness of your heart. Being in a loving relationship is linked to reduced stress, a significant risk factor for heart disease. So this Valentine's Day, why not focus not just on the fluttering feelings of love but on joints that work pain-free in motion and meals that nourish the rhythm of beats in our chests?
Take a cue from Cupid's quiver and let exercise be one of your arrows aiming towards heart health. Working out together with a loved one can not only encourage motivation but also strengthen emotional bonds while strengthening cardiovascular muscles. Joint activities like dancing, cycling, or even walking through the park can boost endorphins, enhancing mood and cardiovascular stamina. This Valentine's Day, consider lacing up your sneakers with your partner and embark on a heart-healthy exercise journey together. Or, if you’re like me, my “partner” is the audiobook I have in my playlist—or the granddaughter on skates, happily rolling with me. Loving oneself is the primary love, in my opinion, and I am cool with me.
Love is sweet, but too much sugar isn't. Instead, create a heart-healthy diet plan that includes varied and balanced meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. Think of preparing a Valentine's feast with dishes brimming with salmon, (or plant-based protein) leafy greens, berries, and nuts. These foods aid in reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure—two significant enemies of heart health. Sharing a meal made with love and wellness in mind symbolizes a shared commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle.
For those who are on the path to improved health this Valentine's Day, consider gifts that contribute to well-being. Rather than sweets that disappear quickly (and impact our hearts just as fast), invest in presents that cultivate health. A subscription to a cooking class for healthy cuisine, matching fitness trackers, or even a potted plant that can purify the air are all gifts that reflect the enduring nature of both love and a healthy heart. If, like me, you are technically single, buy yourself a heart-healthy gift. My Christmas present to myself this past year is a gift that keeps on giving: a walking pad. Walking pads are fold-up treadmills that take up less space, are relatively inexpensive, AND come in handy when atmospheric rivers and bomb-cyclones are pummeling us.
This Valentine's Day, let's honor the connection between love and heart health. It's a relationship worth committing to for the long haul. Engagement in physical activities and choices of heart-healthy foods are acts of self-love and expressions of care for others. They lead to enriched lives and hearts that beat stronger for longer. So here's to love—in all its forms—and to the hearts that keep us alive to experience it year after year.
And remember, every step taken together is a step towards a healthier heart. If you are not in a romantic relationship, grab a kid, grandkid, friend, doggo, or your headphones and love your heart.
Elevate your Valentine's celebration by fueling the passion that leads to action—not just for the heart that loves but also for the heart that beats.
Happy Valentine's Day, and here's to loving and living heart-healthy!
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At the beginning of Covid, I decided to cut out sweets and eat as healthy as possible to avoid getting sick. After just a couple of days, I lost any craving for sugar. I was surprised it happened so fast. I do have dark chocolate, because as you say, it's actually good for you. All of our meals are cooked from scratch, which entails many hours of chopping vegetables, but it's worth it. Who knows, it may be why my husband and I have never had Covid.
Yes love is the answer...
It rejuvenates us.
And then we can see better!
💜