The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the First Hour After Waking Up, According to Cardiologists
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the First Hour After Waking Up, According to Cardiologists originally appeared on Parade.
The way you start your day can really set the tone for the way the rest of it goes, especially when it comes to your heart health. You don't need an American Psycho-esque, hustle culture-obsessed, manosphere-inspired morning routine to keep your ticker in good shape, but you do need some overall good habits—and that includes habits specifically to avoid.We don't need to tell you that starting your day by smoking, vaping or boozing is a bad idea if you're trying to be healthy. But what if we told you that there's a seemingly harmless habit that cardiologists say can do a number on your wellbeing? Find out what heart docs say to never, ever do within your first hour of waking up and why it's more dangerous than you may realize.🩺 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💊
Whether you're doomscrolling, giggling at reels or returning texts you got overnight when you were on Do Not Disturb mode, cardiologists warn that checking your phone in the first hour of waking up is a no-no.There are a few reasons for this, but the most obvious one is that our phones and the constant stream of information (and misinformation) we get from them can stress us the hell out—but it goes even beyond that, warns , cardiothoracic surgeon at Southern California Surgical."It's not just about stress hormones. It's about what kind of day that habit sets in motion," she tells Parade.Related:
Essentially, in addition to scrolling potentially triggering anxiety or FOMO, you're also setting yourself up for a day that's less than ideal for your heart health, according to Dr. Kharazi. This is because you're doing that instead of things that are actually good for you. These can include preparing a heart-healthy breakfast, meditating, really savoring your morning coffee or tea, stretching, exercising, walking your dog or even just spending a few minutes with your loved ones before schlepping off to work.Dr. Kharazi isn't alone in her warnings against checking your phone first thing in the morning."It's well established is that both acute and chronic psychological stressors are linked to high blood pressure and heart disease in the form of heart attacks and heart failure," , cardiologist and professor of medicine at Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, tells us. "So, and this part would depend on the individual, if checking our phones first thing in the morning is a net-negative or psychologically stressful experience, those known associations would apply."Related:
Essentially, if your feeds are full of doom, gloom or people seemingly doing better and/or having more fun than you are, you may be breaking your heart in more ways than one.What's more, checking your phone first thing in the morning—plus too much screentime daily—can cement poor habits, like a lack of movement, which can increase your risk of metabolic problems and cardiovascular issues, , board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, says. Those issues can, in turn, up your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.Dr. Kharazi suggests swapping out your a.m. scrolling habit with movement, ideally in sunlight (but put on your SPF first!): go for a jog, a quick walk around the block (or even just through your backyard or garden), do some yoga poses or just stretch in the sunshine.
Related:
That said, Dr. Chen explains there are some benefits to internet and social media use, but you have to use them wisely and with boundaries: don't use your phone first thing in the morning or at bedtime, put it away while you're eating and schedule your use by setting time limits.
"If used properly, the internet can potentially help improve someone's health," he says. "It can provide access to information that can improve someone's health literacy. Social media can be used to increase health awareness, especially among the younger population. Online communities could be beneficial as support groups for people with certain heart conditions."
Up Next:Dr. Paul Bhella, MD, FACC, FAHA, FASE
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD
Dr. Alexandra Kharazi, MD, FACS
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the First Hour After Waking Up, According to Cardiologists first appeared on Parade on Jun 11, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Here's What Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Eat Blueberries Every Day
Here's What Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Eat Blueberries Every Day originally appeared on Parade. The nutritional advice to eat fruit daily is pretty commonplace, but are all fruits created equal? We'll say this: Different fruits have different health benefits, so it's probably best to consider your health goals when picking a few out. For example, if heart health is a concern, particularly lowering blood pressure, blueberries may be the fruit to add to your grocery list.🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊It's hard to be mad about this news when blueberries are so delicious. But did you know they don't have to be eaten plain to have benefits? We'll get into the research, but don't forget to bookmark these summer-friendly blueberry recipes until then. However you choose to eat them, blueberries are packing the punch that you (and your doctor) are looking on for input from a cardiologist and dietitian about how blueberries help with blood pressure concerns, how many to eat per day and other heart-healthy foods to prioritize. The easy explanation is that blueberries have a compound that boosts blood vessel flow, which can lower blood pressure. Related: Whether You're Dealing With High Blood Pressure or Want to Avoid It in the Future, Here Are the 25 Best Foods to EatThe more scientific answer? 'This may be due to their high levels of anthocyanin flavonoid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that helps to improve the function of endothelial cells in blood vessels,' says a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. 'This, in turn, improves the blood vessel's ability to relax and improves blood pressure control.'More specifically, a 2019 study in The Journals of Gerontology found that eating blueberries daily can decrease systolic blood pressure by about 5 millimeters of mercury. Further, systolic blood pressure (the upper number that shows how hard the heart pumps blood into the arteries) is the best way to predict future cardiovascular events, according to the American Heart Association. , a registered dietitian at Aeroflow Diabetes, explains how that happens. 'It's suspected that the anthocyanins might increase nitric oxide production in the body, which increases blood flow to the arteries,' she says. 'Blueberries might also help reduce arterial stiffness, which is when our arteries can't expand and contract as well in response to blood pressure changes. This stiffness, like high blood pressure, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.'Blueberries are also high in fiber, she adds, and a diet high in high-fiber foods is associated with lower blood benefits ring true for multiple populations. , a nutrition advisor at Wild Blueberry Association of North America, points to research that suggests this for healthy older individuals and post-menopausal women, for example. In those studies, participants didn't necessarily eat blueberries as is, but in the form of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder—and yep, their blood pressure still decreased. Lower blood pressure isn't the only health win to anticipate with increased blueberry consumption. Lauver says the anthocyanins in blueberries can protect against aging, disease, stress and inflammation too. Blueberries can also help maintain memory function, are high in vitamin C and K, and have several other What Happens to Your Body if You Eat Blueberries Every Day, According to a Registered Dietitian The answer is clear: Eating blueberries each day is a great way to take care of your heart health. But how many?Dr. Chen generally recommends two cups of fruit per day, which can include a cup of blueberries as part of a rotation of various to the 2019 study mentioned above, Lauver agrees that when it comes to blueberries, about a cup a day is a great starting point. Related: Want To Improve Your Heart Health? Here's the Type of Fruit a Cardiologist Is Begging You To Eat More Of For even extra benefits, consider opting for wild blueberries versus regular blueberries. (The former are usually found in the frozen section.) 'The berries are picked at peak ripeness and frozen right away, helping lock in their nutrients and flavors,' Broihier explains. 'Wild blueberries may be small, but they pack a big punch—especially when compared to regular cultivated blueberries. Because they're smaller, you get more berries (and more nutrient-rich skin) in every cup.'Specifically, she says wild blueberries provide twice the antioxidant power, 33 percent more anthocyanins and 72 percent more fiber. Pretty cool, right? Wild blueberries also have a more intense blueberry flavor, she adds, making them the tastier option. (Enough said.) Dr. Chen and Lauver highlight the following foods as great options that lower blood pressure: Fruits that are rich in anthocyanins, such as strawberries, blackberries and raspberries Fruits that are rich in flavonoids, such as oranges and lemons Potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, kiwi, watermelon, sweet potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe, spinach, dried fruit and lentils With items like that on the menu, taking care of your blood pressure with what you eat doesn't sound so bad after all. Up Next:Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist Sophie Lauver, MS, RD, LDN, NBC-HWC, a registered dietitian Kit Broihier, MS, RD, LD, a nutrition advisor Circulating Anthocyanin Metabolites Mediate Vascular Benefits of Blueberries: Insights From Randomized Controlled Trials, Metabolomics, and Nutrigenomics, The Journal of Gerontology Which blood pressure number matters most? The answer might depend on your age, American Heart Association Wild blueberry (poly)phenols can improve vascular function and cognitive performance in healthy older individuals: a double-blind randomized controlled trial, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Daily blueberry consumption for 12 weeks improves endothelial function in postmenopausal women with above-normal blood pressure through reductions in oxidative stress: a randomized controlled trial, Food & Function Blueberries and Health, USDA Agricultural Research Service Here's What Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Eat Blueberries Every Day first appeared on Parade on Jun 12, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the First Hour After Waking Up, According to Cardiologists
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the First Hour After Waking Up, According to Cardiologists originally appeared on Parade. The way you start your day can really set the tone for the way the rest of it goes, especially when it comes to your heart health. You don't need an American Psycho-esque, hustle culture-obsessed, manosphere-inspired morning routine to keep your ticker in good shape, but you do need some overall good habits—and that includes habits specifically to don't need to tell you that starting your day by smoking, vaping or boozing is a bad idea if you're trying to be healthy. But what if we told you that there's a seemingly harmless habit that cardiologists say can do a number on your wellbeing? Find out what heart docs say to never, ever do within your first hour of waking up and why it's more dangerous than you may realize.🩺 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💊 Whether you're doomscrolling, giggling at reels or returning texts you got overnight when you were on Do Not Disturb mode, cardiologists warn that checking your phone in the first hour of waking up is a are a few reasons for this, but the most obvious one is that our phones and the constant stream of information (and misinformation) we get from them can stress us the hell out—but it goes even beyond that, warns , cardiothoracic surgeon at Southern California Surgical."It's not just about stress hormones. It's about what kind of day that habit sets in motion," she tells Essentially, in addition to scrolling potentially triggering anxiety or FOMO, you're also setting yourself up for a day that's less than ideal for your heart health, according to Dr. Kharazi. This is because you're doing that instead of things that are actually good for you. These can include preparing a heart-healthy breakfast, meditating, really savoring your morning coffee or tea, stretching, exercising, walking your dog or even just spending a few minutes with your loved ones before schlepping off to Kharazi isn't alone in her warnings against checking your phone first thing in the morning."It's well established is that both acute and chronic psychological stressors are linked to high blood pressure and heart disease in the form of heart attacks and heart failure," , cardiologist and professor of medicine at Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, tells us. "So, and this part would depend on the individual, if checking our phones first thing in the morning is a net-negative or psychologically stressful experience, those known associations would apply."Related: Essentially, if your feeds are full of doom, gloom or people seemingly doing better and/or having more fun than you are, you may be breaking your heart in more ways than more, checking your phone first thing in the morning—plus too much screentime daily—can cement poor habits, like a lack of movement, which can increase your risk of metabolic problems and cardiovascular issues, , board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, says. Those issues can, in turn, up your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and Type 2 Kharazi suggests swapping out your a.m. scrolling habit with movement, ideally in sunlight (but put on your SPF first!): go for a jog, a quick walk around the block (or even just through your backyard or garden), do some yoga poses or just stretch in the sunshine. Related: That said, Dr. Chen explains there are some benefits to internet and social media use, but you have to use them wisely and with boundaries: don't use your phone first thing in the morning or at bedtime, put it away while you're eating and schedule your use by setting time limits. "If used properly, the internet can potentially help improve someone's health," he says. "It can provide access to information that can improve someone's health literacy. Social media can be used to increase health awareness, especially among the younger population. Online communities could be beneficial as support groups for people with certain heart conditions." Up Next:Dr. Paul Bhella, MD, FACC, FAHA, FASE Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD Dr. Alexandra Kharazi, MD, FACS The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the First Hour After Waking Up, According to Cardiologists first appeared on Parade on Jun 11, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the First Hour After Waking Up, According to Cardiologists
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the First Hour After Waking Up, According to Cardiologists originally appeared on Parade. The way you start your day can really set the tone for the way the rest of it goes, especially when it comes to your heart health. You don't need an American Psycho-esque, hustle culture-obsessed, manosphere-inspired morning routine to keep your ticker in good shape, but you do need some overall good habits—and that includes habits specifically to don't need to tell you that starting your day by smoking, vaping or boozing is a bad idea if you're trying to be healthy. But what if we told you that there's a seemingly harmless habit that cardiologists say can do a number on your wellbeing? Find out what heart docs say to never, ever do within your first hour of waking up and why it's more dangerous than you may realize.🩺 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💊 Whether you're doomscrolling, giggling at reels or returning texts you got overnight when you were on Do Not Disturb mode, cardiologists warn that checking your phone in the first hour of waking up is a are a few reasons for this, but the most obvious one is that our phones and the constant stream of information (and misinformation) we get from them can stress us the hell out—but it goes even beyond that, warns , cardiothoracic surgeon at Southern California Surgical."It's not just about stress hormones. It's about what kind of day that habit sets in motion," she tells Essentially, in addition to scrolling potentially triggering anxiety or FOMO, you're also setting yourself up for a day that's less than ideal for your heart health, according to Dr. Kharazi. This is because you're doing that instead of things that are actually good for you. These can include preparing a heart-healthy breakfast, meditating, really savoring your morning coffee or tea, stretching, exercising, walking your dog or even just spending a few minutes with your loved ones before schlepping off to Kharazi isn't alone in her warnings against checking your phone first thing in the morning."It's well established is that both acute and chronic psychological stressors are linked to high blood pressure and heart disease in the form of heart attacks and heart failure," , cardiologist and professor of medicine at Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, tells us. "So, and this part would depend on the individual, if checking our phones first thing in the morning is a net-negative or psychologically stressful experience, those known associations would apply."Related: Essentially, if your feeds are full of doom, gloom or people seemingly doing better and/or having more fun than you are, you may be breaking your heart in more ways than more, checking your phone first thing in the morning—plus too much screentime daily—can cement poor habits, like a lack of movement, which can increase your risk of metabolic problems and cardiovascular issues, , board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, says. Those issues can, in turn, up your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and Type 2 Kharazi suggests swapping out your a.m. scrolling habit with movement, ideally in sunlight (but put on your SPF first!): go for a jog, a quick walk around the block (or even just through your backyard or garden), do some yoga poses or just stretch in the sunshine. Related: That said, Dr. Chen explains there are some benefits to internet and social media use, but you have to use them wisely and with boundaries: don't use your phone first thing in the morning or at bedtime, put it away while you're eating and schedule your use by setting time limits. "If used properly, the internet can potentially help improve someone's health," he says. "It can provide access to information that can improve someone's health literacy. Social media can be used to increase health awareness, especially among the younger population. Online communities could be beneficial as support groups for people with certain heart conditions." Up Next:Dr. Paul Bhella, MD, FACC, FAHA, FASE Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD Dr. Alexandra Kharazi, MD, FACS The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the First Hour After Waking Up, According to Cardiologists first appeared on Parade on Jun 11, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
