Wellness

By Carrie Vittitoe Brenda Frank, special assistant to Mayor Greg Fischer, has seen Louisvillians give their hearts in service since 2011 when the mayor adopted the goal to make the city more compassionate. At first, people were confused by the concept of a compassionate city. “People shook their heads and said, ‘What do you mean?’” Brenda says. One of the primary ideas in making Louisville more compassionate was to ask residents to engage in acts of service. When the city promoted its first Day of Service, its goal was for people to engage in 55,000 [...]

By Carrie Vittitoe “There are benefits of romance to heart health,” says advice columnist and speaker Joyce Oglesby, and the research supports this statement. Studies have shown that people in satisfying relationships have lower risks of heart disease. Love seems to make people feel more at peace and balanced, which has a positive impact on blood pressure. A loving relationship helps people manage their stress because they have a sounding-board, someone who they know is by their side through all the good and bad. “When romance is fresh and alive, it doesn’t matter what comes [...]

By Carrie Vittitoe Many of us think of heart health as being purely physical, but emotions also play a role. Depression and anxiety may put us at risk of damaging our hearts due to poor sleep, poor eating, lack of exercise, and isolation. Recovery Inc. of Kentucky, located in the Highlands, opened in 1952 and offers anonymous support groups for people who are struggling with their mental health. Janice Kaelin serves as the director of Recovery Inc. and benefited from its service herself when she was a young mother dealing with postpartum depression in the [...]

By Carrie Vittitoe The heart palpitations a new mother feels when falling in love with her newborn baby rest a great deal on hormones. Beth Quinkert, a certified nurse midwife with WomanCare in Southern Indiana, says there are four hormone systems involved during labor and childbirth: prolactin, oxytocin, endorphins, and adrenaline/noradrenaline. “Prolactin is the ‘mothering’ hormone thought to be responsible for the nesting instinct. Oxytocin, known as the hormone of love, is responsible for making the uterus contract, producing labor, and is at its highest levels at the time of birth, which gives the woman [...]

By Carrie Vittitoe The loss of a loved one is a stress on the heart, emotionally and physically. “Physical or emotional stress can trigger a stress response in the body that leads to atrial fibrillation. As adrenaline, cortisol, or noradrenaline increase in the body, they can increase the likelihood of a heart rhythm disorder,” Dr. Morris says. Coping mechanisms are important for all components of heart health. Getting good quality sleep, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol are things Dr. Morris recommends to his patients with [...]