Celebrity heart news reinforces holiday stress idea

We wrote about a study linking heart attacks and the holidays in Friday's weekend edition and almost on cue, three celebrities died of heart attacks, one despite the quick actions of passengers and crew of the airliner on which she was a passenger.

Alan Thicke

The first was Alan Thicke, who died from a ruptured aorta three hours after suffering a heart attack, according to his death certificate.

You may not recognize his name, but you know his face from "Growing Pains" and he recently appeared in one episode of the NBC series "This is Us."

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher died today in a Los Angeles hospital after she had a heart attack and stopped breathing on a flight from London just before it touched down in Los Angeles. The daughter of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher was most famous for her Star Wars role as Princess Leia.

George Michael

1980s pop star George Michael was found dead in his home in Goring, England, over the Christmas weekend.

Half of pop duo Wham!, he went on to solo stardom, and despite earlier run-ins with police, drugs and health problems, he died peacefully in his sleep, according to his publicist. He was 53 and was believed to have died from heart failure.

Many of us cringe at the idea of making New Years resolutions, but if the news makes heart health a priority for you, the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School lists some actions you will want to consider.

* Reduce stress by beginning an exercise program, improving your diet, spending time with loved ones, getting more sleep and combine meditation with medications your healthcare providers prescribes.

* Watch your wastline -- excess weight around the waistline usually accompanies elevated fat and cholesterol levels and increased chance of narrowing arteries and blood clots.

* Walking is a great way to prevent weight gain and help keep the heart strong. Enlist a friend or group to encourage consistency.

The McCook YMCA's 2017 Lighten Up team challenge could help; click here for more information.

* Quit smoking.

* Reduce intake of salty foods to reduce high blood pressure.

* Cut calorie intake by portion control and eating less saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt.

* Know your numbers -- blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and body mass index and other conditions that contribute to cardiovascular disease.

* Get some quality sleep and limit alcohol consumption, especially before going to bed.

* Hug a friend or family member. The simple act of touching can cause our bodies to release a hormone called oxytocin, which slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. It's also released when we're emotionally engaged; feelings of happiness and hopefulness can cut the risk of heart disease in half.

* Enjoy some cocoa and other foods containing flavanols such as tea, red wine, blueberries, cherries and dark chocolate, which can reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.