Six ways summer can be a season of heart health

The heat of summer can cause problems for your heart if you forget to stay hydrated or push yourself too much on a midday run or bike ride. With the proper precautions, however, summer can be a beneficial season for your body's hardest-working muscle. Consider these tips to make your heart pump for joy during the dog days:

• Enjoy the slower pace of life. A variety of factors -- more daylight, hotter temperatures, your children's lighter schedules -- combine to lend summer a more relaxed air than other seasons. Take advantage of this refreshing change to slow down, take more time for you and reduce your stress. Unchecked stress may contribute to high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors.

• Indulge in the fruits (and veggies) of the season. From sweet blueberries and crisp bell peppers to tasty peaches and juicy tomatoes, there's no better time of year to practice farm-to-table eating.

• Make good use of the after-work sunlight. Finding enough light for evening runs, walks, tennis games and backyard dance parties with your children isn't a problem in summer. Bonus: Exercising late in the day protects you from the sun's most intense UV rays. Many heart disease medications, including beta blockers and ace inhibitors, can affect the body's ability to respond to heat.

• Boost your grilling skills. You already grill a terrific burger. Why not expand your cookout horizons with some healthier fare? Experiment with grilling fish and vegetables, or combine the two to make delicious kabobs. For dessert, toss some peaches or pineapple slices on the grill.

• Nurture your relationships. Staying socially connected helps prevent depression -- a condition which could put you at risk for heart disease. Use some of your spare time this summer to have fun with the important people in your life, whether it's running a 5K with your family or meeting your girlfriends for an alfresco lunch.

• Check in on your overall health. Have an extra hour or two on your hands after work now that you don't have to contend with your children's extracurricular schedule? Use the time to get back on track with important medical appointments, including your annual wellness exam with your primary care physician.

Concerned about your heart health? Quality cardiovascular care is right around the corner. Dr. Ashu Dhanjal, F.A.C.C., is a non-invasive cardiologist in Siloam Springs and is now accepting new patients. She is a member of the medical staff at Northwest Health. To schedule an appointment, call 479-215-3060.

About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital

Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 30 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. SSRH is an affiliate of Northwest Health, one of the largest health networks in Northwest Arkansas. The facility is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.

Editorial on 08/30/2017