29/09/2025
❤️ World Heart Day ❤️
Heart disease and stroke affect everyone and prevention matters for all of us. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for ~10,000 deaths a year in Ireland, that's nearly 30% of all deaths. In 2021, there were 8,293 deaths from CVD in Ireland. Alarmingly, 80% of premature cardiovascular disease is preventable through lifestyle and early intervention.
💡 Tips for a Stronger Heart
Move daily. Even walking 30 minutes can help lower blood pressure and support vascular health.
Eat heart-friendly foods. More vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and less processed and high-salt foods.
Manage stress. Chronic stress is a hidden contributor to heart risk.
Avoid smoking & limit alcohol. These are major drivers of hypertension and vascular damage.
Check in with your doctor. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels is essential.
🌿 Reflexology & Heart Health - How It Can Help
While reflexology is not a substitute for medical care or treatment, it can be a gentle and supportive complementary therapy. Here’s how it may contribute to better heart wellness:
* Stress reduction: Deep relaxation from reflexology can ease tension and lower stress hormones, helping reduce one of the significant risk factors for heart disease.
* Improved circulation: Reflex techniques aim to stimulate blood flow and support micro-circulation, which helps nourish tissues and may reduce vascular strain.
* Balance and resilience: Reflexology encourages systemic balance (nervous, circulatory, endocrine), supporting the body’s capacity to cope with stressors.
* Mind-body connection: The calming effect may help with better breathing, sleep, and mental health - all linked to cardiovascular well-being.
Reflexology is best viewed as part of a holistic self-care routine, alongside medical screening, healthy habits, and lifestyle choices.
