You At Your Best

Numerous studies have found that vacationing produces a host of health benefits. The ongoing Framingham Heart Study, which began in 1948 and is currently studying its third generation of participants, found that men who did not take a vacation for several years were 30 percent more likely to have heart attacks than men who took time off. In addition, the FHS found women who take a vacation only once every six years or less were nearly eight times as likely to develop coronary heart disease or have a heart attack as women who vacation at least twice per year. Vacations also have been linked to lower stress levels, as a study from the American Psychological Association concluded that vacations reduce stress by removing people from activities and environments that are the sources of their stress. Vacations can even benefit employers, as an internal study from the professional services firm Ernst & Young found that employees' year-end performance ratings improved by 8 percent for each additional 10 hours of vacation time they took. Located in East Fayetteville 2630 E Citizens Dr. #7 (479) 957-9300 wolfpackhearing.com Our patients succeed. You will, too! Best BestNWA.com of Northwest Arkansas the SponSor Content you at your beSt StaFF The American Heart Association says an estimated 103 million adults in the United States, nearly half of all men and women in the country, have high blood pressure, or hypertension. While medication and lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure, a modified diet also can work wonders. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, often referred to as "DASH," is an approach to eating that is designed to help treat or prevent hypertension, according to the Mayo Clinic. The diet was developed in the 1990s, and does not require special foods, but makes recommendations on choices that can alleviate high blood pressure. The diet recommends eating vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils are also included. Individuals adhering to the DASH diet should limit foods high in saturated fat, including fatty meats and tropical oils. Sugar- sweetened beverages and other sweets should be limited, too. When consuming foods, the idea is to stay within 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams of sodium. In addition to reducing blood pressure, the DASH diet can lead to weight loss and even reduce adherents' cancer risk. To help cut back on sodium, DASH guidelines advise using sodium-free spices to add flavor to foods. A person also can rinse canned foods to reduce salt or buy products that say sodium-free or low-sodium. Because no-salt foods can seem bland to those accustomed to salt, the Mayo Clinic suggests gradually cutting back on salted products until the taste buds can get used to less salty foods that fit within the DASH diet guidelines. Hypertension is a problem that can have lasting effects if not addressed. The DASH diet is one way to keep blood pressure levels in a healthy range. Get heart-healthy with a DASH diet Poor heart health may lead to hearing loss Eating right and exercising regularly can affect more than your cardiovascular health. New evidence shows a link between poor heart health and hearing loss. "The inner ear is extremely sensitive to blood flow, so obstructions in the arteries and veins – symptoms of impaired cardiovascular health – can impact the peripheral and central auditory systems, leading to hearing impairment," Dr. Dustin Richards, audiologist and owner of Wolfpack Hearing Clinic in Fayetteville points out. "Conversely, when the heart is healthy and the flow of blood is unimpeded, hearing problems are fewer." Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will not only add years to your lifespan, but will reduce your odds of developing hearing loss. Take preventative measures such as eating healthier, losing weight, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Patients already diagnosed with heart disease should consider a hearing evaluation. The audiologists at Wolfpack hearing in Fayetteville are skilled in diagnosing and treating hearing loss. For more information or to set up a hearing evaluation, go to Wolfpackhearing.com, or call (479) 957-9300. Did you know? 8 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST FEBRUARY - HAppY HEART | SATURdAY, JAnUARY 25, 2020

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