Is your heart healthy?

Stress is one of the leading factors that can affect your heart's health. If you can't get rid of negative thoughts or if you keep harping on the same problems (school, boy/girlfriend, family), here are a few very easy tips you can apply to your daily life between two classes, two phone calls or two parties!

If you have 5 minutes

• Picture yourself in a relaxed setting, on the beach, in the country. Think of anything that works for you. It's just the thing to unwind… and re-energize yourself!

• Clear your mind by phoning the funniest person you know: pleasure guaranteed!

• Take out your rolling pin. No, not to make a pie, but to roll it under your feet for two minutes. It really helps! A tennis ball or a golf ball works just as well.

If you have 1 hour

• Make a compilation of your favourite songs. You'll have the perfect CD to listen to! Then turn up the volume and let loose: not only will that put you in a good mood, but all that feverish dancing will improve circulation and help relieve tension.

• Spend time with your pet: A research study by the American Cardiology Association found that pet ownership lowers your blood pressure and heart rate.

• Get away from the source of stress for a few minutes by taking a walk. Think of anything you want, except your problem. A good trick for forgetting is to constantly say, “I’m-taking-a-stress-free-stroll, I’m-taking-a-stress-free-stroll.” On top of getting a little exercise, you’ll probably also get the giggles! And laughter is still one of the best medicines against stress.

Staying healthy: a concern… even for your insurer!

Did you know that insurers calculate the price of insurance based on age, sex, state of health and whether or not the person is a smoker? Poor health and smoking increases the price of insurance significantly: indeed, the price can even double!

Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation, Coup de pouce magazine (March 2006) and Desjardins Financial Security