“Try to take care of yourself.” It's something we all strive to do year-round, but it’s not something we hear as much around the holidays. As the hustle and bustle continues, the pressure from holiday stress can reach dangerous levels and impact your overall heart health. “More cardiac arrests occur on Christmas Day than any other day of the year.” With the holiday season in full swing, it’s important to be mindful of ways to take care of yourself.

When asked what people can do to lessen their holiday anxiety, Dr. Morris Kelley, Cardiologist at CHI St. Vincent North responded, “Remember that you can only do what you can do. You can only control what you can control. Try to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself and maintain your usual stress relievers, whether that  is walking, exercising, reading or just taking some time away from family.”

Try to relax and enjoy this holiday season, and take a break if the pressure is getting to be too much. If you have a family history of heart conditions or are experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Learn more about Dr. Morris Kelley and CHI St. Vincent North.