Love your heart, advises Lankan-born Aussie

A Sri Lankan domiciled Down Under and running a cardiac welfare centre in Australia, Angela Peris addressed a seminar on 'Prevention of Heart Diseases and Healthy living' at the Central Bank Training Centre auditorium, Rajagiriya recently.

In the seminar under the theme 'Love your Heart', she explained the main reasons that caused heart diseases emphasising that the modern lifestyles of the present generation creates risk factors causing cardiac diseases and heart attacks. Most people are not educated on the most important functions of the heart and education on the heart could prevent the large number of deaths caused by cardiac diseases, she said.

Speaking on the risk factors she said high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, overweight/obesity, smoking, stress and negative emotions are the main causes that create the body imbalances that make people suffer from heart diseases.

These may cause heart failure, heart attacks and even other problems like loss of eyesight, kidney failure, lung problems and even your efficiency at work and the ability to live a normal good life.

To prevent the problem, healthy lifestyle, sufficient exercise, at least four times a brisk walk for 30 minutes, drinking at least 2 litres of water a day, good mental attitude like friendliness with others, taking in fresh air by rising early and breathing well and meditation on breathing (like Anapana Sathi ) could prevent heart problems, obesity and diabetes.

It is also important to avoid stress, eat healthy natural foods like vegetables, only fish, good fruits and take control of life, Angela Peris said.