Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Heart disease causes about 25% of all deaths in the United States, or one in every four deaths. Peoria residents should take note and take action: in many cases heart disease is preventable.
The heart disease and alcohol connection
Northwestern University is participating in a study, now in its 30th year, tracking health and health habits in the United States, including the amount of addicts that need to seek a drug rehabilitation Peoria for their addiction. The study looks at socioeconomics, living habits, and several other factors, and how they affect wellness and aging. Hundreds of research papers and thousands of other references to the data have occurred on a variety of topics.
As participants in the study have aged, trends have emerged. In this study, as in other research, alcohol abuse has been shown to contribute to other heart-unfriendly conditions such as:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Liver conditions
- Depression and/or anxiety
What constitutes “Abuse”
Definitions of alcohol abuse differ. The American Heart Association recommends no more than one drink per day for women, and one to two per day for men. (A drink is one 12 oz. beer, 4 oz. of wine and 1-1.5 oz. of spirits, smaller doses for higher proof). If you are someone who drinks more than this, it clearly means you have an alcohol addiction problem and can immediately get started at a drug rehab in Peoria.
Here are some other signs of alcohol abuse:
- Drinking to the point of intoxication, even if rarely.
- If alcohol has created a problem for you in your family, personal relationships, or work (including missing obligations for alcohol-related reasons).
- If you find you need to drink more than you used to, to get the same effect.
- Drinking to get an intended effect, such as relaxing in social situations or relieving stress.
- Drinking “medicinally”such as to get to sleep (which may indicate other unresolved health issues).
If you fit any of the above list, you may be abusing alcohol.
Preventing heart disease
The good news about heart disease is that it may be preventable. Cardiovascular health can also increase quality of life, such as energy and stamina, long before heart disease might be on your radar. You can practice these heart-healthy habits:
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t drink more than one drink in one sitting, and not every day
- Get regular exercise, at least 2.5 hours per week, which will also help you:
- Maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Eat a healthy diet, including heart-healthy good fats
If you practice these heart-healthy habits and including going to a substance addiction Peoria, you will be well on your way to preventing heart disease.
