Here are some helpful health tips.

Did You Know?…

1.  High levels of sodium (salt) contribute to congestive heart failure. Roughly 5 million people in the U.S. experience this heart failure annually!

In a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, those who ate the most sodium were 43% more likely to suffer congestive heart failure than those with the lowest sodium intakes.

Less than 2,400 mg of sodium a day is recommended by several government health agencies. High sodium intake can also increase hypertension and cardiovascular disease risks.

To reduce the amount of sodium in your diet, eat fresh foods and prepare your own meals…as prepackaged foods are loaded with sodium! Start reading labels on pre-prepared meals, too - you might be shocked at how much sodium you're already eating!

2. When you have a high level of stress in your life, it’s good to participate in calming hobbies. These should take little effort, and allow your body’s biorhythms to slow back down.

Reading a book or sailing are examples of those slow paces activities that allow your mind to ease it’s pace.

Some other things you might do are:

• Meditate
• Watch TV or Read a Book
• Do Crossword puzzles
• Repetitive tasks like throwing a baseball with a friend

Be sure you aren’t making yourself busier, but are finding ways to slow a normally frantic pace. Notice how it can ease your mind!