The way we live our lives has a lot to do with whether we develop heart disease. Knowing your risk factors for heart disease gives you the opportunity to make the long-term changes necessary to eliminate or reduce your chance of developing heart problems. By making lifestyle changes after a cardiac event occurs, it is [...]
There is substantial research evidence showing a strong connection between depression and heart disease. The notion that depression is typical in patients with heart disease, nothing to worry about and will go away on its own is inaccurate and dangerous. Many patients already have heart disease and depression and there appears to be an interaction [...]
Anxiety is an emotional reaction that occurs in response to a threat or to fear. Anxiety commonly results in feelings of nervousness, apprehension, restlessness and internal shakiness (the “butterflies”). Anxiety can cause worrying, poor concentration, tension, difficulty making decisions and sleep problems. Physical signs of anxiety include an uneasy stomach, diarrhea, frequent urination, headache and [...]
The following foods have been found to be health-promoting. This is not an exhaustive list, nor are these the only foods you should eat. It is important to maintain balanced eating that includes the three main nutrients we require everyday -- carbohydrate, protein and fat. This list is meant to be used as a guideline [...]
It has always been thought that heart disease is a man’s problem, but it kills a half million women every year and the number is growing. Heart disease kills more women than men and women are more likely to have a second heart attack within a year of their first one. Because women’s symptoms can [...]
The following is a metaphor one of my patients has been using to understand why she can’t let go of her eating disorder. Carrie is in her mid-twenties, has a master’s degree, a good career and has suffered from anorexia for about six years. She has been in treatment for two and a half years, [...]
Children, adolescents and adults can get depression. Depression can be triggered by an event or by chronic stress. It can also come on out of the blue and be the result of genetic or biological factors that the person cannot control. Do you feel sad, blue or downhearted? Yes [...]
There have been several controversies in the media lately about depression that have focused on the “ability” to overcome it. Some believe there is no need for psychiatric treatment and that with enough motivation, faith or incentive depression can be beaten. Others support the need for treatment, including psychotherapy and/or anti-depressant medication, and believe they [...]
All of us experience anxiety at one time or another, but for those facing cardiac disease, anxiety, worry and stress can accelerate the progression of heart disease and/or interfere with recovery. Continual emotional distress, whether it is recognized or not, affects overall quality of life. Do you feel anxious? Some of the more common symptoms [...]
Children, adolescents and adults can experience anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by an event or by chronic stress. It can also happen without explanation and be the result of genetic or biological factors that the person has no ability to prevent. Do you spend a lot of time worrying about [...]
