Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Can stress and grief actually break your heart?

This week, the long awaited trial of murder-accused Oscar Pistorius starts – and all eyes are on him. With the facts of the case laid bare though, it’s perhaps easy to forget Reeva Steenkamp’s family – and the pain they’re undoubtedly going through one year after her death. The stress of the trial seems to be taking its toll, and last week it was reported that Reeva’s father, Barry, had suffered a second minor stroke – just days before the trial was set to start.

The question is, could Barry’s stroke be linked to the grief brought on by his daughter’s death? We get our doctor to weigh in and explain the link between stress, grief and a broken heart.

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Tricks to help you reduce your salt intake

Reducing your salt intake can be as easy as switching brands. Always check labels when shopping, and compare the sodium content of different brands and choose the one with the least amount of sodium. Look out for foods with the Heart Mark – these products have less sodium compared to other products and this lets you know it’s been approved as part of a heart healthy diet.

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Salt: Getting to the heart of the matter

In very small amounts, pure salt is essential, and maintains the mineral balance in literally every cell in your body. It also works to regulate fluid balances and promote proper circulation, and assist with nerve impulse and muscle contraction. Too much salt, however, can be fatal and is closely linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

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Warning! Salt added

Preventative health has been the top health trend for a number of years now, and it’s all about “prevention is better than cure” – so basically, avoiding getting sick or ill in the first place. Your health is one of the few things in life that you are in control of, and everything you eat and drink, or don’t eat and drink has a direct effect on your body and its ability to continue functioning in top form. When it comes to food, salt is one thing that many people eat too much of, often without even realising it.
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