02/25/2026
February is "Heart Health" month! We asked River Road Primary Care's Dr. Chapinski what is her go to tip for heart health.
Dr. Chapinski's tip:
"Manage Your Stress"
Managing your stress doesn’t just make you feel better—it literally protects your heart! Here’s how finding your "calm" helps:
♥ Lowers Blood Pressure: Deep breathing and meditation help reset your nervous system, reducing the strain on your arteries.
♥ Reduces Inflammation: Chronic stress triggers persistent low-grade inflammation, a major risk factor for heart attacks. Managing stress helps keep this in check.
♥ Improves Heart Rhythm: Relaxation techniques can help prevent disruptions to your heart's natural beat.
♥ Better Habits: When we aren't stressed, we’re less likely to reach for "comfort" habits like smoking, junk food, or extra alcohol that hurt our hearts.