New York-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital

Holiday Heart Health Tips Plan for a safe, enjoyable holiday season by thinking first about your heart. BE SMART ABOUT SHOVELING SNOW ough the American Heart Association recommends light exercise during the winter months, you should take heart when performing moderate exercises, such as shoveling. Exercising in cold temperatures can increase your risk for a heart attack. If you have heart disease, talk with your doctor before picking up a shovel. If you suffer an injury, please call your doctor for a referral to one of our conveniently located physical therapy centers. Call 914-734-3251 to learn more about our services. Experience a holiday mishap? NewYork–Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital's Emergency Department is available 24/7 to get you the medical attention you need this winter. KEEP THE FOOD FESTIVE While healthy eating should include lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and grains, holiday eating can include more unhealthy saturated fats and trans fats, which can contribute to high cholesterol. e American Heart Association suggests making healthy substitutions when preparing your next baked good. Opt for applesauce as a substitution for unhealthy oils or butter in a recipe, choose dried fruit over chocolate and select low-fat dairy products rather than whole fat items. For help remaining mindful, attend a class at the Chef Peter X. Kelly Teaching Kitchen and learn how chefs get creative with their food alterations. Call 914-734-3780 to learn more about cooking demonstrations. FLEEING THE FLU According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with chronic heart disease should take every precaution to protect themselves from influenza. Research has shown that having the flu places you at an increased risk for heart attack or stroke, so getting the flu vaccine helps you protect your health. Watch for muscle aches and chest congestion, and call your doctor at the first sign of the flu. DECORATE WITH FLAIR While the family is over to celebrate anksgiving dinner, enlist able-bodied help to hang holiday lights, set up Christmas trees and arrange ornaments on higher branches. e American Ladder Institute recommends that people at risk for falling or dizziness stay off ladders to prevent unnecessary falls. Take time as you decorate for the holidays to check all outlets, and make sure all extension chords lie along the wall, not in the middle of walkways. STOP THE STRESS Family events can be fun and comforting, but they can also cause undue stress. Instead of letting holiday menus or gift giving quicken your pulse, try to manage stress by sharing tasks. If buying for everyone on your list induces panic in your heart and wallet, get the family together and draw names. Is thinking about the holiday to-do list making you feel powerless? Remember the power of saying "no" in setting boundaries with your time and talents. 1 0 ] W W W . N Y P . O R G / H U D S O N V A L L E Y

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