Literally and figuratively. Your physical heart is central to life; if it is not cared for, or guarded, you will experience physical consequences that can be life-altering. I am sure you are familiar with a heart-healthy diet and exercise to protect your heart. But how much attention do you give your heart from a physical and emotional state? Specifically, are you balancing electrolytes? It is essential to pay close attention to your intake of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Everything you do to and put into your body impacts your heart. Have you thought about how your emotional state affects your heart? Do you have the heart of a lion or is it stone cold? Do you have a heart of gold or do you let your heart rule your head? Do you love with your heart and soul or do you wear your heart on your sleeve? Do you balance your emotions to guard your heart? Start by being conscious of your feelings. You have feelings about everything that you experience in life. Are your feelings controlling you or are you in control of them? Pay attention to what your heart is telling you and remember you have control over your heart. Currently, you may be young and healthy but without proper balance physically and emotionally, you could end up with heartache. So start now and guard your heart.

By Sheela Abarr, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, End of Life Coach and Doula, Live Well Alaska LLC