Did you know that according to the American Heart Association, having poor social relationships can increase your risk of developing heart disease by up to 29%? Believe it or not, staying social and maintaining good relationships can have a positive effect on heart health. This is due to the fact that social isolation is associated with increased inflammation, blood pressure, and stress, while also making it more difficult to sleep and stay active. Furthermore, all of these negative effects can be considered as some of the most common risk factors for developing heart disease.
We are continuously increasing our awareness of how mental health can be related to, and even influence physical health. The CDC claims that some mental disorders such as anxiety or PTSD can have physical effects that are detrimental to the body. Over time, the stress on the heart causes reduced blood flow, arteries can become blocked with plaque, and it can increase heart rate and blood pressure. In other words, taking care of your mental health can lead to better physical health as well. When it comes to optimal physical health, there is generally physical activity, balanced diet, and healthy weight involved. As for maintaining good mental health, there are a variety of techniques people can use. For example, some may try keeping a regular routine (exercising, eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep), setting goals, and creating a support system by staying connected to others. Having a reliable support system can aid in navigating emotions or stressful life situations.
It can often become difficult to find social opportunities consistently, especially during the winter months, so below are some examples of activities or resources available:
- Spending quality time with friends and family (e.g. going out for dinner, having a relaxing night in or even hosting people)
- Participating in community events (e.g. movie nights, local sports teams, and also many of the city’s entertainment festivals, musical and food events)
- Joining a club (e.g. a book club, the 55 Plus Centre, a church, or even a cultural association)
Thunder Bay is home to many community social events which can help with building and maintaining social connections. If you’re looking for upcoming activities in Thunder Bay, Northern Hearts hosts numerous social events and programs such as Walk with Doc, Rock with Doc and Healthy Heart Day throughout the year! more information on future dates, volunteering opportunities or to join our monthly newsletter, feel free to contact us by email: northernhearts@tbaytel.net.