Holiday Hearts

I was just thinking about....

WSB Radio News reported today there is a connection between the holidays and heart attacks. The following was stated in the report:

• Death rates tend to go up around the holidays, and some researchers have started calling the trend the merry Christmas coronary and happy New Year heart attack. Cardiologist Keith Churchwell of the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute said hospitals often see heavier traffic at those times.

• "A national database on the 53 million deaths that occurred in the U.S. between 1973 and 2001 showed that deaths from heart disease peak in December and January, with spikes on Christmas and New Year's Day."

Several reasons are given in terms of the spike in heart issues - (a) the stress of preparation; (b) delaying medical attention so as not to interfere with family plans and activities; (c) the increase in alcohol consumption; etc. The opinion of Dr. Churchwell in terms of alcohol consumption is:

• "Alcohol has a toxic effect on the heart muscle in a number of different ways, but in particular it can lead to an irritation of the heart muscle, This can lead to atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm that is a classic finding of holiday heart."

Are there things one can do and principles one should apply? Two Biblical passages give one a clue in this regard...

• Psalm 37:7 - ""Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him." The idea of "rest" is one should learn to relax. Pacing oneself is vital. It might be better to have dust on the furniture rather than have a Minister intoning, "dust to dust, ashes to ashes"!

• John 14:27 is a declaration of a Gift than is given and a Legacy to be received. Jesus is speaking and says: "Peace, I leave with you. My Peace, I give to you..."

There is a strange irony with family gatherings. The host home is readied as the Homemaker cleans, and dusts, and waxes, and polishes, and prepares, and buys, etc. Then the family arrives and they begin to bring in their luggage, children's toys, food and snacks, beverages, gifts, etc. Within a fraction of time, one can hardly recognize all the cleaning, and dusting and waxing, etc. And after the family leaves, the entire cycle begins again as laundry must be done, and sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, re-arranging, doing something with leftovers, etc. dictates the pace for the next couple of days.

The significance and wisdom in the embrace of learning to relax and enjoying the peace of Christ are found within the guideline list of a holiday habit: "Eat slowly and engage in conversation to slow down the process of eating. It takes your brain about 20 minutes to get the signal that it's full."

I hope that you will remember God's Gift in Christ as you act upon His gift of Peace, and as you Relax in Him. It is the solution and pathway for ones healthy enjoyment of family and friends, and having a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.