Happy Thursday! And I mean, consciously make an effort to have a happy day, with a positive outlook. Why is this important though? There has been quite a bit of research linking a positive outlook and overall heart health! Did you know that people at high risk of heart disease or had a family history of heart disease but had a positive outlook were 1/3 LESS likely to have heart attack or cardiovascular problems within 5-25 years as compared with those who were chronically negative? Lisa Yanek from John Hopkins also found that even those at risk of coronary artery disease and were positive were 13% less likely than those who were at same risk but negative to have heart attack or other coronary event! "Researchers suspect that people who are more positive may be better protected against the inflammatory damage of stress. Studies also find that negative emotions can weaken immune response. Additional studies have found that a positive attitude improves outcomes and life satisfaction across a spectrum of conditions-including traumatic brain injury, [stroke], and brain tumors. A University of Kansas study found that smiling-even fake smiling-reduces heart rate and blood pressure during stressful situations."

• hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking 

So smile on and actively pursue the happy in life, friends!

©️NewLeafInspiredLiving, Dr. Sherry Rosado, D.C.