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How a Positive Mindset Affects Your Heart

The mind is a powerful force. Trained to a positive mindset, it can help you heal from surgery, keep you from getting sick, and reduce the damaging effects of stress. Researchers are now, more than ever, recognizing the incredible impact of the brain on the entire body. 

The phrases “see the glass half-full, not half-empty,” “every cloud has a silver lining,”  and “look on the bright side” could be more than just meaningless idioms. These reminders to stay positive could be helpful to you as you pursue a vibrant lifestyle, eradicate patterns of negative thinking in your life, and regain your physical wellbeing.

You may be skeptical. Is positive thinking that powerful? Isn’t it overblown to sell self-help books and motivational webinars? Can it impact your healing and recovery? 

“In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.”

Dalai Lama

The truth is, a positive mindset may be the piece you’re missing in your puzzle of health. Here’s why positivity matters so much and what you can do to keep an optimistic attitude. 

The powerful benefits of developing a positive attitude

Better stress management: Stress is corrosive. It roots itself firmly in your mind, creating patterns of anxiety, negative outlooks, and physical repercussions

Staying positive could help reduce stress in your body, allow you to cope with stressful situations, and mitigate its effects. Instead of dwelling on anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, positive thinkers will process and remove stressors from their lives whenever possible.

Stress doesn’t have to run your life. You are in control of the pressure you allow yourself to experience. Take that control back today by developing positivity and a relaxed mindset. 

Stronger immune system: Optimism, or positive expectations for the future, has been proven to shore up the immune system to better protect against disease. 

One study of law students measured levels of optimism for the upcoming semester with a questionnaire. Those who marked their positive outlook higher had better functioning immune cells than the other students who were more negatively focused. 

Lower cardiovascular disease risk: Researchers have found that high levels of optimism could decrease the risk of developing heart disease by 30 percent. Positive psychological traits have also been linked to lower heart attack and stroke risk in people with existing cardiovascular conditions. 

On the contrary, negative thought patterns can increase your risk of heart conditions, stress out your cardiovascular system and keep you stuck in unhealthy ruts. 

Positive people tend to prioritize health: A more positive outlook generally includes a stronger desire to look after your physical well-being. When you can frame things in a constructive light, you start to see the value of looking after your body and mind. Optimistic people generally eat cleaner diets and exercise more frequently. 

How to harness the power of positivity

“Every day may not be good… but there’s something good in every day.”

—Alice Morse Earle

Harnessing the power of positivity in your life doesn’t mean being an oblivious Pollyanna, unwilling to recognize that some things in life will be hard and sad. There will be bad days. The bad days make you all the more grateful for the good. Allowing yourself to develop positivity and focus on maintaining a healthy attitude will give you the tools to thrive. 

Cultivating that positive mindset isn’t always easy. Retraining your brain, defeating old thought patterns of negativity, and “seeing the bright side” will take time and a dedication to change. However, due to a fascinating capability called neuroplasticity, our old patterns of behavior and thinking are not fixed. 

Studies have shown that the brain can still be changed with repetition well into adulthood. Meaning the more you practice positive thinking, the more neural pathways your brain creates, making this mindset your new normal over time.

Try these simple steps today to get you started on your journey to a healthier mind and body.

Note one positive thing each day

“One small positive thought can change your whole day.”

—Zig Ziglar

This is a great place to begin. You don’t have to write anything down; you don’t have to change your actions; simply allow yourself to think of something good that happened today. It can be something as simple as a flower in a crack in the sidewalk, your dog excitedly greeting you when you walk in the door, a smile from a stranger, or a traffic-free commute. 

Once you start looking, you’ll begin to see all of the incredible things around you and will start rewiring your brain to look for the good instead of the bad. This is a great mental exercise as you lie in bed trying to fall asleep. It will help give you a little recap of the day and allow you to go to bed on a positive note. 

After you’ve gotten the hang of simply noticing the good, take it a step further and start to write down the good things in a gratitude journal. Looking back on this journal can be a balm in hard times that can help you regain your positive outlook. 

Perform intentional acts of kindness

“In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.”

—Les Brown

Positivity and good deeds go hand in hand. To develop a positive mindset, you need to start thinking outside your own life and sphere of influence. Turning your mind to the needs of others and helping fill those needs where you can is a great way to boost optimism and confidence. 

Studies have shown that objectively happy people showed an uptick in feelings of joy after performing acts of kindness. Start small by complimenting your coworker’s shirt, holding the door for someone, asking your grocery clerk how their day is going, or checking in on a sick friend. 

These moments of intentional kindness will start to build up and will recalibrate your brain to start looking for ways to improve the lives of people around you, which will, of course, improve your life as well. 

Focus on a healthy lifestyle

“You have to train your brain to be positive just like you work out your body.”

Shawn Achor

Just as positivity can improve your desire to live a healthy lifestyle, focusing on health could help you be more positive. This cyclical connection between optimism and healthy living is powerful. 

Eat an organic, 100 Year Heart Diet filled with vegetables and free of processed foods. Get moving for at least 30 minutes every day out in the sunshine, and reduce toxins from your life wherever possible. These interventions will give you more energy, boost physical health, and turn your brain and body towards healthy, positive living. 

Surround yourself with positive people

“A positive atmosphere nurtures a positive attitude, which is required to take positive action.”

—Richard M. DeVos

How many people in your life are a positive influence? Does spending time with friends stress you out, make you self-conscious, or overwhelmed? If so, you may need to reevaluate who you allow into your inner circles. 

If possible, try liming time spent with negative friends and family, and prioritize supportive relationships that fill you with energy and keep you from negative self-talk.

You are not alone

Here at the Natural Heart Doctor, we believe in the incredible healing powers of the mind. Training yourself to prioritize and develop positivity will do wonders for your physical and mental health and well-being. It will improve relationships, help you cope with difficult situations, give you better resiliency to process trauma, and keep your heart happy. 

Next Steps

Change takes time, so don’t beat yourself up if you occasionally slip into negative thinking. Be patient and loving with yourself and recognize the value of pursuing change. 

Remember, you are not alone! Many resources help you retrain your brain, including guided meditation, yoga, trusted counselors, and various books to help you become a more positive person. Feel free to reach out to a health coach for support on your 100 Year Heart journey. 

Eat Well · Live Well · Think Well 


Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD

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About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

Dr. Wolfson Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Acupuncture

Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Cardio Tests

We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Office Visits

Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.