“Of the heart. This moves of itself and does not stop unless forever”
Leonardo da Vinci (1510)
Although cupid is responsible for lovers annually celebrating their love and sharing their hearts, someone else has placed your heart front and center this time of year. February is also The American Heart Association’s “American Heart Month”. I don’t think any other human organ gets a month to celebrate but certainly the heart is deserving. Consider the following:
- Your heart beats about 100,000 times a day and about 35 million times a year.
- During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat 2.7 billion times, pumping about 1 million barrels of blood- that is enough to fill more than 3 super tankers.
- Your heart pumps blood through a system of blood vessels that is over 60,000 miles long. That’s more than two trips around the world.
- A child’s heart is about the size of a clenched fist. Hold two fists together and you have the size of an adult’s heart.
Even though Leonardo da Vinci had some phenomenal thoughts and illustrations about the structure and function of the heart and circulatory system, it was not until 1706 when Raymond de Viessens actually described it in an accurate fashion. The EKG was invented in 1902 and heart specialists (cardiologists) did not come into vogue until after WWI. We now routinely fix broken hearts surgically and even transplant them. We’ve come a long way considering that in 1881 a famous surgeon, Dr. Billroth, said that “anyone who would attempt to operate on the heart should lose the respect of his colleagues”.
Despite all of our medical advances including significant decreases in the incidence of heart disease and ailments, heart disease remains the #1 killer both in men and women and can happen at all ages. One in four Americans will suffer from some form of heart disease. Much of it is in our own hands and prevention needs to take a greater role for all. Simple measures like daily exercise and smart nutrition make for a healthy heart. Also screening for, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol at the right levels, are essential. Smoking is not an option if you care at all about your heart or the heart and lungs of those around you. Also, learn to control stress. It can wreak havoc on your ticker. This can happen over time from a gradual build-up or even from a sudden single stressful situation. The New England Journal of Medicine recently reported on the “broken heart syndrome” in which a sudden stressful event such as the loss of a loved one, an accident, or even a heated argument can short-circuit and even damage the heart similar to a heart attack.
To become more heart smart, check out Nova Online and the American Heart Association. Learn the warning signs of a heart attack because every minute counts when trouble strikes. Also learn CPR and save a life (including an on-line version). It can even be learned on-line. Or check with your local hospital for training classes in your area. Also, the Franklin Institute has a great on-line heart guide– or even better, come to Philadelphia and walk through the Franklin Institute’s famous giant heart, a 5000 square foot fun filled, educational interactive exhibit. That huge wonderful heart would be just the right size for a 220 foot tall person! Or you can visit the Halle Heart Center Museum in Tempe, Arizona.
Cupid was heart wise in more ways then he ever knew. His story is timeless and his struggles to find forever love with Psyche, the love of his life, eventually paid off for him, despite a rocky start. One of the best pieces of advice to keep your heart ticking strong is indeed to find love. A heart filled with love just seems to work better. It helps longevity and counteracts the negative affects of stress. Even heart attack survivors live longer if they have loved ones in their life. Rupert Brooke knew the power of love when he suggested that “a kiss makes the heart young again and wipes out the years”. Sounds like the kind of tune up we all need.
FitTip
Tell your Valentine, and other loved ones, how much you love them. Better yet, show it. It will do your heart good.
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