With heart disease remaining a leading cause of death in the United States, more Americans are seeking ways to promote cardiovascular health. Amidst the picturesque landscapes of the northeastern state of Maine, residents and visitors alike are discovering the benefits of outdoor activities for maintaining a healthy heart. From hiking to swimming, the state offers various ways to engage in exercise and leisure activities that contribute to overall well-being.

Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke, account for nearly one in every four deaths in the U.S. each year. While genetic predisposition and age are factors that cannot be changed, lifestyle choices play a crucial role in preventing or mitigating heart-related health concerns. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week, can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall quality of life.

Maine, with its diverse terrain and pristine natural beauty, offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in heart-healthy activities. In central Maine, the state’s rugged interior invites hikers to explore miles of scenic trails, ranging from leisurely walks to challenging treks. For example, the Kennebec Highlands, a vast conservation area spanning over 6,800 acres of protected land, offers trails that cater to various skill levels. Hiking not only provides cardiovascular benefits but also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, according to the AHA.

Another popular outdoor activity in the region is swimming, which offers a low-impact, full-body workout that strengthens the heart and lungs. In Maine, one prime destination for water-based activities is China Lake, a sprawling 3,922-acre body of water located near the towns of China and Vassalboro, consisting of the East Basin and the West Basin. Here, visitors can swim, boat, or paddleboard, enjoying the refreshing waters while simultaneously improving their cardiovascular health. After a day of recreation, The Landing, a local restaurant situated on the north end of the lake, offers a delightful spot to refuel and enjoy a meal with a beautiful view of the lake.

For those who prefer leisurely activities that still promote heart health, Maine’s countryside also offers ample opportunities for birdwatching, photography, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the state’s picturesque coastline, mountains, and forests. Even moderate activities, such as brisk walking or gentle cycling, can contribute to a healthier heart when done consistently.

The benefits of spending time in nature extend beyond physical health. Research suggests that exposure to natural environments can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, further contributing to a healthier heart. By immersing oneself in Maine’s great outdoors, individuals can nurture both their physical and mental well-being, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

As the northeastern state of Maine continues to draw outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning landscapes and wide array of activities, residents and visitors can take advantage of these natural resources to promote heart health. Through regular engagement in activities such as hiking, swimming, or simply enjoying the beauty of the region, individuals can make strides in preventing or mitigating common heart health concerns and lead a more fulfilling life.

What if you could transform your life today and start feeling better tomorrow? What if it wasn’t that big of a deal to do so? And what if you didn’t need to spend a fortune to get there either? You know what would also be nice? If you could transform not just your physical appearance, but also the way you think about yourself and your life. This can seem like an overwhelming commitment at first, but once you break it down and think about it as a holistic process rather than a giant leap, it seems much more achievable. After all, we’re talking about 5 minutes per day. That’s all it takes!

Exercise daily

Exercise is the ultimate way to increase your metabolic rate and burn fat while improving your health and well-being. Whether you choose to go to the gym, run around the block, or climb a tree, the most important thing is to do something. The best part is that even if you aren’t that great at it, doing something will give you a sense of accomplishment and increase your confidence. There’s really no excuse for not being active. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and about 30 minutes a day. There are so many benefits to being active, including: Better Sex Increased Energy Improved Mood Improved Mental Health Lower Risk of Heart Disease Increased Immunity Greater Sex Drive Stronger Bones Stronger Muscles
Eat healthy

Eating healthy is crucial for boosting your metabolism, building strong bones and teeth, and preventing heart disease and many cancers. It’s also essential for maintaining a healthy weight, and for keeping your energy levels up, too. It can be difficult to know what to eat, especially when you’re throwing yourself a party. This is why it’s important to have a healthy diet that consists of a variety of fresh produce, wholegrains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. You should also limit your intake of sugary drinks, processed foods, saturated fats, salt, and sugary snacks.

Learn something new

If you think about it, we’re all in this thing called life for a reason: to learn, grow, and experience new things. There’s no way you’re going to be able to do that if you’re constantly worried about money and your bills. The best way to learn new things and expand your knowledge is by getting inspired by other people and what they’ve achieved. You can watch documentaries, read blogs, attend seminars, or simply listen to what other people have to say. The more you do this, the more you’ll realize how much you don’t know and how much there is still to learn. This will boost your confidence, give you the ability to understand new concepts, and make you feel more optimistic about the future.

Sleep better

Sleep is essential for regulating hormones and building memory. Not sleeping well can lead to poor diet, fatigue, and a lack of confidence. While it can be difficult to change the number of hours you sleep, it’s much easier to adjust the amount of sleep you get. Try and keep a regular sleep schedule so that your body is conditioned to expect the amount of sleep it needs. Make sure you have a regular time to relax and take care of yourself, like when you’re sick or when you’re just out of the blue feeling down.

Connect with people

The modern world is incredibly isolating, which isn’t great for your mental health or your relationships. You don’t have to put yourself out there in a big way either. Just make sure you’re grabbing coffee with a friend every now and then, sending a quick text message, or saying hi to someone on the street. Doing this will not only boost your social confidence, but it’ll help you get to know the people around you better. It’s always good to have a few people in your life that you can connect with, whether it’s a close friend, family member, or even a stranger.

Take a deep breath and relax

Life is happening really quickly. You have to make decisions quickly and try to find time for everything. It can be really easy to get hurried, anxious, or stressed out. This is never going to get you anywhere so try to put the brakes on it. Take a few deep breaths, try and identify what’s stressing you, and try to work out a way to deal with it. Then, when you’re feeling rushed and short of time, you can use that plan to help you to calm down. This doesn’t mean you have to let everything get to you. It just means that you have to let yourself have a little more control and that you don’t have to be rushed all the time.

Stay positive

Finally, it’s important to remember that you’re not going to get anywhere if you’re not having fun. If you’re feeling down, try and find the funny side of things and try to look at it from a different perspective. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take things seriously and work hard, but try and find a happy medium. It can be really easy to get trapped in a negative spiral where you’re constantly worrying about the things that are stressing you out. You have to find a way to anchor yourself and stop that spiral from continuing. There are many ways you can do this, like writing them down, visualizing them, or talking to a friend or family member. There are many different ways you can anchor yourself and stop the negative spiral from continuing. This will help you to stay positive, optimistic, and relaxed while you’re navigating life’s challenges.

(NAPSI)—The winter holidays have ended, and spring is in sight. As the days start to lengthen, it is a good time to tend to your overall health and well-being, including your mental health, by practicing daily acts of self-care.

Mental health and physical health are closely related. Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being affect how we think, feel, and act. Caring for all parts of ourselves helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

Making small healthy choices each day can build habits and make a difference as we move out of winter and into spring. Here are some self-care activities you can fit into your daily routine:

• Take breaks to unwind through yoga, music, gardening, or new hobbies. Try new things and make the ones that make you feel good a regular part of your week.

• Find ways to connect with family and friends, get support, and share your feelings. Staying in touch with friends and family online or with a phone call or chatting with a neighbor outside can help you connect and keep you from feeling isolated.

• Make physical activity part of your daily life. Tending to your health through physical activity doesn’t require a gym membership. Dancing, taking a walk, or even working in your yard or cleaning house can improve your mood and your overall health. 

• Treat yourself to healthy foods. Splurge when you can on fresh fruits and vegetables. Finding a vegetable that you’ve never had before at a farmer’s market or a grocery that carries foods from another culture and learning how to prepare it can be a fun way to include more fresh food in your diet.

• Make sure you are up to date on vaccines, especially COVID-19 vaccines. Updated COVID vaccines can restore protection that may have waned over time and keep you healthy to participate in activities you enjoy.  

“Staying current on COVID vaccines is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and can give people extra peace of mind about their health,” said Dr. Jaime Fergie, director of infectious diseases at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. “Getting vaccinated provides added protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID, and helps reduce the risk of getting long COVID too.”  

Move into spring, a time of renewal, with a renewed commitment to healthy habits and actions.

For more information about COVID vaccines and to find a vaccine near you, visit vaccines.gov.

You might think that seasonal allergies are just a spring thing. Not true. Autumn brings pollen from the ragweed plant to many parts of the U.S. And if you’re allergic to it, you may find yourself dealing with watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose and an itchy throat.

Ragweed pollen levels typically peak in mid-September. But depending on where you live, they can hang around until November, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and treatment of ragweed allergies — and when you should see your doctor.

What causes seasonal allergies?

“Seasonal allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, such as pollen,” explains Morris Nejat, MD. Dr. Nejat is the chief medical officer at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers in New York City.

Many times throughout the year, certain plants release pollen. Tree pollen causes problems in the spring, and grass pollen is common in the summer. When fall comes, ragweed pollen takes over.

Seasonal allergies affect as many as 60 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Learn why the allergy season is getting longer.)

As pollen travels through the air, it can make its way into your eyes, nose and lungs. Your body may act as if it’s under attack and release a chemical called histamine into your blood. This causes symptoms such as:

• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Itchy eyes, nose, throat and skin
• Sneezing, coughing and wheezing
• Sinus pressure
• Tiredness

When do you need to get tested for seasonal allergies?

If you think you have seasonal allergies, talk to your primary care doctor. Finding out the cause of your symptoms helps your doctor decide which medications to give you. They will discuss your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also refer you to an allergist for testing, if necessary.

“You should get tested for seasonal allergies if you have symptoms that last more than 3 months or if you have chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing,” says Dr. Nejat.

A skin prick or scratch test can confirm your allergy, says the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The doctor will place a drop of an allergen (such as ragweed) onto your skin, usually on the forearm. Then they will lightly prick or scratch your skin. You probably won’t find the test painful, but you may have a little discomfort. If your skin gets a red, raised bump, it means you’ve had an allergic reaction.

How to relieve symptoms

Taking an over-the-counter medicine can help relieve your symptoms. Your doctor might recommend:

• Corticosteroid nasal spray. These medications reduce nasal inflammation. Examples include budesonide (Rhinocort^®) and fluticasone propionate (Flonase^®).
• Antihistamines. These medications block the release of histamines, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. Some examples are Loratadine (Claritin^®) and cetirizine (Zyrtec^®). (Here’s the difference between Claritin and Zyrtec.)
• Decongestants. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed^®) relieve sinus congestion. Oxymetazoline (Afrin^®) is a decongestant nasal spray.

“Oftentimes, the same medication comes in both over-the-counter and prescription versions,” says Dr. Nejat. The allergist will be able to decide which medicines are best for you.

You can also try a saline nasal rinse to reduce congestion. Eye drops can calm itchy, red and watery eyes.

No matter what regimen you’re on, always follow the medication’s instructions. For example, decongestant nasal sprays shouldn’t be used for more than 3 days in a row (unless your doctor says otherwise).

Other tips that can help you manage fall allergies

Don’t let allergies keep you from having fun this fall. Making small changes to your daily routine can help you get ahead of ragweed pollen.

• Track the pollen count. You can check pollen counts in your area using the map provided by the National Allergy Bureau.
• Avoid outdoor chores. When the pollen count is really high, steer clear of yard work such as gardening or mowing the lawn. If you do outdoor chores, wear a face mask, says the Mayo Clinic.
• Close the windows. That goes for the doors in your house, too.
• Remove pollen. Change your clothes when you come into your house from the outdoors. Take a shower, and toss the clothing in the laundry to wash away the pollen.
• Breathe clean air. Use air conditioners in your house and car. Consider buying high-efficiency filters. And use dehumidifiers to keep the air dry and breathable.