Heart-Shaped CIC

18/09/2024

I'm signing up for the British Heart Foundation's strong woman challenge starting soon. I don't feel at all strong at the moment but we'll see. If I think there is more than a remote possibility I can rise to the challenge I may post a just giving page. Thanks for reading. ❤️

10/09/2024

When you run a page dedicated to supporting others with their health and wellbeing it can be hard to admit you aren't feeling well yourself. Nothing to do with my heart but even so. When you don't feel well it's difficult, and sometimes impossible to do the things that sustain you physically and mentally. It can happen to anyone and sometimes you have to just rest then get up and start again. Hopefully you'll see me out and about soon drinking cappuccinos at Ekojoes and hugging trees in Bouskell Park.

04/09/2024

27/08/2024

Good news that NHS 111 will now offer a mental health service for those in crisis using the same number as those needing help with physical problems. Callers will be able to select option2 and will be offered face to face-to-face community support and guidance to access other services.

18/08/2024

So I had a big stock of red lentils in the cupboard because lentils are a relatively cheap source of protein but I wasn't quite sure how to make the best use of them. I had the idea of making lentil soup so put in a saucepan rinsed lentils, frozen casserole veg, tinned tomatoes, spinach and all sorts of stock cubes, herbs etc. Once everything was cooked I blended it then more tasting and a few more things added in and voila, lovely healthy soup. The following day it had thickened up and we had it as a jacket spud topping. Forgot to take photos though.

15/08/2024

When you're helping your heart by living (reasonably) healthily, holidays can come along and knock your good habits out of the window. I'm going on holiday soon and will have some dilemmas to face and plenty of decisions to make on a daily basis. I don't want to undo all my good work but it's a holiday, right? I deserve treats!
There's plenty of room for compromise here so what we'll probably do is breakfast in the cottage and stick to our usuals, buy lots of fresh stuff for evening meals from markets etc. (I love those honesty boxes you find in rural areas of the UK)
Then have lunch out as we'll have a dog with us and can enjoy pub gardens or eating on the beach.
Treats? Of course! What's a holiday without ice-creams, tea and scones etc? For me though I have to rein it in a bit or face an upset tummy.
We'll all be fine, including the dog who adores doggy ice cream and the occasional puppachinos.

10/08/2024

I've joined a number of Facebook groups for people that have had heart attacks. Much of the advice from those that have been through a similar experience is good, and it can be comforting to be reminded that you are not the only one. But...when it comes to advice about diet it's not so good. People new to the group whose heart attack was recent, get bombarded with a list of what not to eat. One poor woman was hating her new diet and was stressing because she wanted to eat out with her family but couldn't find anything healthy on the menu.

My advice is to make small changes, enjoy what you eat ,go out for the occasions, and above all be happy. Apply the 80/20 rule.

I could be slimmer but I enjoy meeting friends over tea and cake too much :)

08/08/2024

We don't hear as much about vitamin K as we do other vitamins. But it is a vitally important vitamin. Vitamin K is essential for liver function and blood coagulation. Also helping wounds to heal. A deficiency can lead to excess bleeding.

If you eat them, then meat and liver are good sources but so are bananas, green veg, milk, eggs and apples. Oh and prunes which I love :)

04/08/2024

Good old vitamin C! We all know how to get vitamin C even if we don't always eat the things which are good sources of it.

Vitamin C is needed for healthy growth, Sound blood vessels, rapid healing and resistance for flu and colds.

Eat tomatoes, citrus fruit, green veg, peppers and kiwi fruit now to get the right protection to see you through the winter months.

02/08/2024

The B vitamins are vitally important for health and wellbeing. They are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6,.B7, B9 and B12. All B vitamins convert food to energy. Deficiency of B vitamins leads to a whole host of health problems. As always a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes and sources of protein and calcium ( whether animal or plant- based) is recommended. You could consider short-term supplements if you are struggling with low appetite or are unwell.

31/07/2024

Please excuse my lack of posts. I'm battling migraines atm but hope to come back soon. X

28/07/2024

There are a number of vitamins and minerals which are particularly good for your heart. Vitamin D is absorbed through your skin from sunshine. It is recommended to take a supplement during the winter months if you live in the UK. Vitamin D is found in mushrooms and if you want to get more put the mushrooms in a sunny place for an hour or two. Also found in fortified milks and juices.

23/07/2024

Swimming is really good for you both physically and mentally. If you've had a heart attack though, it is suggested that you wait at least 6 weeks before swimming again. Extremes of temperature- hot or cold are best avoided. As with any life-style changes it is best to check with a healthcare provider first.

21/07/2024

It's good to know this help is available

18/07/2024

Finding happiness in the small things is what matters.

18/07/2024

I bought a lovely little heart-shaped ornament online recently. It features 9 calming strategies for when you are feeling upset or stressed. They are:

count to 10 slowly
hug someone you love
imagine a happy place
read a book
breathe deeply
stretch
drink some water
draw and create
listen to music.

You probably have other ideas so please share.