On the Leesh Productions Blog

Love your Heart!

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:58:00 +0000

With Valentine's Day less than two weeks away, we are all seeing red with hearts, roses, and balloons everywhere we turn. While we all associate the heart symbol with love, romance, and boxes filled with mystery chocolates, the heart also symbolizes that vital, life-sustaining organ that works tirelessly to keep us here. So when you’re unwrapping that delicious heart-shaped dark Dove chocolate wondering what little message will be revealed on the inside of the pink foil wrapper, take a moment as you indulge in that chocolate to think about your own heart. It’s something we seldom do. But this month, let’s think of our hearts as our body’s employee of the month (as February is America’s Heart Month), and perhaps we can make some lifestyle modifications, and take preventative action to help keep it ticking longer and more efficiently.
The American Heart Association is always on a mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. As we all know, heart disease is the leading killer of women, which is why it’s so important for us to take the month of February to learn about cardiovascular disease, spread awareness about what we can do to prevent it, and honor those we’ve lost because of it.
We can thank St. Valentine for reminding us to not only express our love for others, but to also to focus some much needed attention on our own hearts and show them the care they require to be healthy. Let’s show others love this month, but let’s show our own hearts some too!

In honor of National Heart Month, here are a few helpful facts about cardiovascular disease, and tips on how to manage stress and improve your heart health.

Let’s start with the basics.

What is heart disease?
Heart disease – also called cardiovascular disease – is a simple term used to describe several problems related to plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. As the plaque builds up, the arteries narrow, making it more difficult for blood to flow and creating a risk for heart attack or stroke. Other types of heart disease include heart failure, an irregular heartbeat – or arrhythmia – and heart valve problems.

For more information, visit the American Heart Association’s website:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

Now that we know what cardiovascular disease is, here are 7 simple preventative rules to live by.

Life’s Simple 7

Get Active
We all know that exercise is good for us, but nearly 70% of Americans do not get the physical activity they need.
Nearly all of us feel time-crunched and over-scheduled. And although anyone can fall into a busyness trap, only you can make your health a priority over life’s other demands. Even our nation’s President sets aside time to exercise. It can be done and only you can say ‘no’ to interruptions and ‘yes’ to your good health!

Control Cholesterol
When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages. Cholesterol is a waxy substance and our bodies use it to make cell membranes and some hormones, but when you have too much bad cholesterol (LDL), it combines with white blood cells and forms plaque in your veins and arteries. These blockages lead to heart disease and stroke.

Eat Better
A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. When you eat a heart-healthy diet (foods low in saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars, and foods high in whole grain fiber, lean protein, and a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables) you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy– for life! However, an alarmingly high number of us are not making healthy food choices. Recent studies show that more than 90% of us fail to consistently eat a heart-healthy diet. Our poor eating habits mean more of us have risk factors for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity.

Manage Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer.

By keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range, you are:
1. Reducing your risk of overstretched or injured blood vessel walls 2. Reducing your risk of blockages which also protects your heart and brain 3. Protecting your entire body so that your tissue receives regular supplies of blood that is rich in the oxygen it needs

Lose Weight
If you're overweight or obese, you can reduce your risk for heart disease by successfully losing weight and keeping it off. Even losing as few as five or ten pounds can produce a dramatic blood pressure reduction.

Reduce Blood Sugar
Lowered blood sugar helps protect your vital organs. When you reduce excessive sugars, you are giving yourself the best chance for a healthy life. The American Heart Association considers diabetes one of the six major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. When insulin resistance or diabetes occur along with other CVD risk factors (such as obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and high triglycerides), the risk of heart disease and stroke rises even more.

Stop Smoking
If you want to live a long and healthy life, breaking the nicotine addiction will be very important. Smoking damages your entire circulatory system, and increases your risk for coronary heart disease, hardened arteries, aneurysm and blood clots. Like a line of tumbling dominoes, one risk creates another. Blood clots and hardened arteries increase your risks for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Smoking can also reduce your good cholesterol (HDL) and your lung capacity, making it harder to get the physical activity you need for better health.

I hope these tips from the American Heart Association’s website were helpful. Happy Heart Month, and remember to wear red tomorrow for National Wear Red Day and spread awareness about this disease!

Day 31 of 31 - Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Day 31 of 31 - Happy New Year!

What are your New Year’s resolutions this year?? Thinking of making any green changes? You know we are!

Day 30 of 31 - What You Can Doers New Years Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:10:00 +0000

Day 30 of 31 - What You Can Doers New Years Resolutions.

Need some tips - look at our ideas.

Day 29 of 31 - Touch for Hunger!

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Day 29 of 31 - Touch for Hunger!

If you have even one minute there’s something you can do to fight malnutrition around the world. By clicking @ the Hunger Site, you can help make a difference in the lives of those suffering from hunger.

Day 28 of 31 - Save Water at Your Bathroom Sink

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:17:00 +0000

Even the smallest change to your everyday routine goes a long way… shutting off your faucet as you brush your teeth, for instance. Watch this video for more water-saving tips.

Day 27 of 31 - At Risk Youth

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:07:00 +0000

Day 27 of 31 - Support At Risk Youth
This time of year, we spend a lot of time thinking of children. Take a minute and support at risk youth.

Day 26 of 31 - A Last minute gift of pet lovers

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Day 26 of 31 - Happy Kwanzaa
Still looking for a last minute gift? What about a gift for pet lovers?

Day 25 of 31 - Green Holiday Party

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:24:00 +0000

Day 25 of 31 - Green Party TIps!
Merry Christmas! If you're hosting a Holiday Party, consider some of these green tips.

Day 24 of 31 - Wear your Seat Belt

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:51:00 +0000

Day 24 of 31 - Wear your Seatbelt!
Many of us are traveling today. Make a pact and CLICK IT!

Day 23 of 31 - Gifts that Give More

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:55:00 +0000

Need gift ideas? Check out this video, and consider giving your loved ones the greatest gift by helping to put an end to world poverty.

Day 22 of 31 - Turn down your water heater

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:48:00 +0000

For a safer, greener winter season, dial down the knob on your water heater. Watch this video to learn more about this energy-saving tip.

Day 21 of 31 - Go Green Heat!

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:20:00 +0000

- Save energy this winter with eco-friendly heating tips for your home.

Day 20 of 31 - Happy Hanukkah

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:04:00 +0000

What You Can Do is sending the best wishes to you for a very Happy Hanukkah.
May you be surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Day 19 of 31 - Doing Dishes

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:55:00 +0000

So, you took a trip down memory lane, letting the warm water flow over your hands as you washed the dishes…who hasn’t been there? But the amount of water wasted during that daydream is quite the wake up call. Watch this:

Day 18 of 31 - Conserve Water in Your Bathroom

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:50:00 +0000

Entertaining guests at your home this winter? Watch this video to learn a fast and easy way to save water in the bathroom.

Day 17 of 31 - Elderly Volunteering

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:16:00 +0000

What You Can Do teamed up with volunteermatch.org for this video on how to help the elderly get involved in their community. It only takes a minute to find worthwhile volunteering projects to keep seniors active and socially engaged.

Day 16 of 31 - Learn about the Night Sky

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:42:00 +0000

Light pollution: it’s what prevents most city-dwellers from enjoying views of the starlit sky. But it also harms wildlife and contributes to global warming. Watch this video to learn how to help protect the night.

Day 15 of 31 - Help Fight Animal Cruelty

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:32:00 +0000

For animal lovers and pet owners, it can be hard imagining life without them, let alone the cruel conditions animals sometimes face. If you’ve got even a minute, there’s something you can do to help.

Day 14 of 31 - Make Your Holiday Party Green!

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:42:00 +0000

Hosting a holiday party? Make it green festivity. Email your invites for starters and save paper and money!

Day 13 of 31 - Rethink your wrapping!

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:40:00 +0000

Day 13 of 31 - Give our planet a gift this season! Save money, paper, and have fun using green wrapping paper.

Day 12 of 31 - Carpool to Work

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:50:00 +0000

For those commuting to work, consider sharing the ride with friends or
colleagues. Organizing a car pool takes just a moment, but goes the distance in lowering your carbon footprint.

Day 11 of 31 - Make a difference with your gifts

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Make a difference with your holiday gifts by buying a Mercy Kit. These gifts can help people in need all over the world.

Day 10 of 31 - Click to help Kids

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:03:00 +0000

Images of suffering children can sometimes make us feel helpless, unable to make even the slightest difference in their lives. But The Child Health Site reminds us that in just a minute’s time, there’s something we can do to help a child receive much need medical care.

Day 9 of 31 - Help those living in Poverty

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:05:00 +0000

Tis’ the season of giving! There’s a lot you can do in one minute to help others living in poverty. Watch this!

Day 8 of 31 - Traveling Green

noreply@blogger.com (On the Leesh Productions) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:39:00 +0000

The holidays are certainly a time for travel and vacation! It only takes a minute… to help the environment by using these energy saving tips on your next trip.