Marriage 101: 6 Secrets to Strengthen Your Bond

In celebrating our wedding anniversary on August 25th, I’ve reflected upon some commonsense strategies that have worked for us over 20+ years.  Here are 6 meaningful ways to strengthen your bond because healthy marriages= healthy hearts!

Always Show Gratitude:  My wife Lisa, has always expressed appreciation for even the most mundane tasks and I’ve learned over the years that being grateful never grows old even as we do. On the other hand, not being appreciative on a regular basis (or supportive, for that matter) will erode a relationship.

Be United: Just like there is no I in TEAM, working together a united front strengthens bonds.  For example, don’t fall for your kids manipulative games such as “well Mom (or Dad) said it was okay”.   When one of us is not readily available, our mantra has consistently been “…your mother (father) and I will discuss it and get back to you”.

Compromise is Key:  Because life in a 24/7 environment can be super busy, we sometimes forget things/tasks/priorities.  Not to worry…when this happens, we make it a point to compromise… “I don’t have time to take George (our dog) out today or tomorrow, can you please take care of him and I will make it up next week?…”

Divvy up Duties: Even though this may seem intuitive, it’s not uncommon for relationship imbalances to occur as it relates to household chores, spending and other shared responsibilities that can lead to bad will and resentment.  Just like financial portfolios tend to be readjusted on a regular basis, rebalancing shared responsibilities (if needed), will solidify the relationship.

Embarrassment is never an option: Embarrassing your partner in public (intentional or otherwise) is disrespectful and destructive to relationships.  Air out grievances behind closed doors and in a civilized tone that cannot be heard by others.

Find time to celebrate your relationship:  You may need to add it to your (mental) calendar but carving out time specifically designated for the 2 of you only (such as a weekly date night) is precious time that is well spent.

Michael Miller, MD is author of the bestselling book “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease“ & Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland USA.  

Tango Your Way To Heart Health

Among the highlights during our recent trip to South America, was the colorful neighborhood of Caminito, where dancers tango down the streets of beautiful Buenos Aires.    As it turns out, dancing is one of the heart healthiest activities we can engage in.

Here are 3 reasons why you should dance as part of a lifestyle prescription for good overall health.

1. Dancing Keeps You Mentally Sharp:  Movement rich activities such as dancing helps to keep our brains young and vibrant by forming new connections.In fact, dancing may also slow the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
2. Dancing Reduces Heart Related Death: A large study found that moderate intensity dancing (as in doing the Tango) was associated with an approximate 50% lower risk of dying of a heart attack or stroke.
3. Tango Dancing Improves Socialization Skills and Emotional Health:  A survey of Tango dancers not only found superior physical health but also superb communication and socialization skills as well as emotional health and stability.                                                                                                                                                    Michael Miller, MD is Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland USA.   His most recent book, “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease” is based on original research.  

Eat just 1 of these Nuts a Day….

Having just visited the beautiful country of Brazil, I couldn’t help but enjoy some of their heart healthiest nuts. Brazil nuts are naturally high in the mineral selenium, a powerful antioxidant that reduces cellular aging and promotes metabolic (i.e. thyroid) health.

Each Brazil nut contains on average 60-90 micrograms of selenium and provides the recommended amount (55 micrograms) to fulfill your daily requirement.  I recommend 1-3 Brazil nuts each day for my patients.  It is important to keep in mind that eating more than this amount each day too can be a problem.  First, Brazil nuts (like other nuts/seeds) are heavily caloric, just 3 Brazil nuts add ~100 calories.   The other principal concern is the potential risk of selenium toxicity that may occur at high consumption rates (usually more than 5 Brazil nuts daily).

Bottom Line: Eat just 1 Brazil nut a day for continued good health!

Michael Miller, MD is author of “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease” & Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland USA.