Are you feeling down "hearted"?

With everything that has gone on the past 48 hours and the holiday season upon us - it is understandable why you feel a bit of sadness and a bit depressed. All of us at Living for Zachary share in the sorrow of the families in Newtown, Connecticut and are deeply saddened by this horrible act of violence.

Things like tragedies can often lead and start the long line of depression. Depression can be bad for your heart and is more pronounced during the Holiday Season. The holidays can lead to not only depression but putting your heart health at risk. When you a "down" you might tend to over eat or over indulge in alcohol. You might not want to exercise as much as before and you certainly can withdraw from social events - making your depression even more.

• Perhaps the bills have you down and trying to purchase all that you feel you need to for Christmas.
• Maybe you are missing your loved ones and this is the first holiday without them.
• Maybe you are ill and run down and just not able to do all that you need to do.
• It could be that you are just in a "funk" and cannot shake this feeling for whatever reason and are not sure why.

Great news is - there are things you can do to get help so that you can move forward with the holidays and new year and enjoy life's pleasures.

• Talk with someone about your feelings. Speak or share with a counselor or Doctor. 
• Exercise and eat right and surround yourself with the ones you love. 
• Seek a spiritual being - whatever religion you choose - prayer helps

There are ways to combat this depression or holiday blues to make sure that your heart is holiday healthy!