How to have a heart-healthy Super Bowl celebration

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In the United States, February is American Heart Health month and with the Super Bowl taking place Sunday, February 7, it is a great opportunity to highlight why indulging in your very own 100,000-calorie snack stadium of junk food might not be the most heart healthy choice.

Dr. Al Sears M.D., nutritionist, physician and author, just published his new book P.A.C.E. The 12-Minute Fitness Revolution, sounds oddly similar to “The Body Science”, another 12-minute anti-cardio program. However Dr. Sears has 10 key strategies to avoid having a heart attack while watching the Super Bowl or any exciting match (World Cup fans should also pay attention).

Many tips are common sense like exercise, select healthy snacks and eat and drink moderately but perhaps a friendly reminder will prevent heartaches this season. Sears does have some less known tips, including:

Take co-enzyme Q10, an anti-oxidant, before the game to reduce risk of heart disease.

Manage your anger, excessive anger and yelling at the TV will increase your chances of heart problems.

Avoid gambling or wager an amount you're comfortable losing. Excess adrenaline caused by excitement, worry, or excess anxiety increases the risk of heart attack.

Pay attention to heart attack warning signs: dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath and nausea. Call emergency medical services if you experience any of these on game day or any day.