When I adopted a pair of twins, one of the first things that struck me was how many doctor's appointments they needed to go to. As we took them to all of their baby well-checks, I realised that these appointments were designed to find and address issues early before they caused other problems. Fortunately, our family paediatrician found a few critical problems that we were able to resolve head-on, and it was immensely helpful. Check out this blog for information about health care, preventative care, and helping your child to enjoy a better life. I know that some of these tips helped me, and I know that they can help you too.
Some sudden news out of the U.K. may make people rethink fish oil supplements for heart health. As with any new health news, though, this new information may lead only to more confusion about how to maintain a healthy heart.
In July 2018, BBC News reported that an extensive review of studies focusing on people taking fish oil supplements found that overall, there was no real benefit for heart health. This goes against years of common advice to start taking supplements, especially if you weren't able to or willing to eat fish. So what can you do to help your heart health if supplements are now in question?
Discuss Fish Oils With a Cardiologist
First, realize two things. One is that one size does not fit all. You may be one of the lucky ones for whom fish oil supplements do help heart health, or at least have some general beneficial effect on how you feel. You need to discuss your particular situation with a cardiologist to see if there are indications that you should continue your supplements. Second, realize that studies in all areas have gone back and forth regarding what they've found. It's entirely possible that fish oil supplements really don't help most people, but it could be there is an extenuating factor that may make the supplements more effective. Instead of stopping your supplements, ask a cardiologist for advice.
Increase Your Social Network
Much has been made of having a healthy social network, either through family or friends, to help increase heart health and happiness. This doesn't mean you can't be physically alone; in fact, many people are very happy when they're alone, even if they like other people. If you are emotionally supported in some way and do not feel isolated, even though you're on your own, that's a lot different from someone surrounded by people but who does not have the right emotional support or who stays emotionally isolated.
Do you like your doctor? If not, change. Do you feel like your mental health is supported? If not, start building a mental health team by finding a therapist you want to work with (there are free and low-cost resources out there if price is a concern). Make sure you feel comfortable emotionally — that will really help your heart.
Work on Exercising and General Diet
And don't forget exercise and diet. Find a heart-healthy diet like DASH or the Mediterranean diet and try to eat in accordance with that. Try to eat actual fish, too. Remember, the studies in question were on fish oil supplements, not fish itself. Moderate exercise that you like is essential. Don't jog because you think you have to; play basketball because you want to. When you want to do that exercise, you will actually do it.
A good cardiologist can help you set up a heart-health plan that you want to follow. You can make an appointment for a consultation and get your heart health into shape.
Share21 July 2018
