Human beings are social species. Basis of friendship is to value one another. Social connections are an essential part of good health and wellbeing. As children most of us find that it is easy to make friends, but adults can find it more challenging. The good news is that the benefits of childhood friendships stay with us well into adulthood. Old friends are the best friends.
For healthy heart we try to eat right, maintain body weight, exercise, good quality sleep, avoid tobacco usage and undergo regular health checkups.
Consistent interaction with good friends can reduce your stress and helps to focus on positive aspects of life.
European heart journal published results from a prospective population based study of older men strenghthening social relationship among older people reduce the risk of heart failure.
No matter where I am in the world maintaining these bonds becomes more important as we grow older. Studies have shown that healthy long-term relationship make aging more enjoyable.
One of the sweedish study shows that having few or no close friends increased the risk of having a first time heart attack by about 50%.Get to gether and friendship contribute to a healthy heart.
Older adults withdrawing from their friends network or reducing their number of friends is often a result of declining health. Studies shows that friendship become increasingly important to one’s happiness and health across their lifespan.
Identify health issues yo may be ignoring some of the health symptoms which may lead to heart disease and close friends may notice these potential issues and help you to get medical advice. friends in medical field or common friends can help you to get correct medical advice on time.
20.5% million deaths every year from CVD.33% of all deaths are from CVD, most heart attacks are preventable. Loneliness is associated with a 29% risk of having a heart attack and a 32% increased risk of having a cerebral vascular accidents (CVA, published in journal of heart april 2016).
We JNVKK (Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya Kotahlikuppanawadi, Belagavi) 3rd batch had get together on December 30-31st ,2023 with old friends/classmates having 34 years of bonding which helped us to promote healthy habbits, we are saddened by two classmates who passed away their absence hurts, creating empty spaces in our reunion circle.
Tips to improve your heart health
- Balance calories eaten with physical activity
- Havevariety of fruits and vegetables
- Choose whole grains
- Include healthy protein sources mostly pants and seafood
- Use liquid non tropical plant oils
- Choose minimally processed foods.
- Substarct added sugars
- Cut down on salt
- Limit alcohol
Choose heart healthy habbits, stay healthy, stay connected with friends and families which will contribute to your heart health.
Article written by
Dr. Rajkumar G Nadakinamani (Specialist Cardiologist- Muscat, Oman)
