What Is B.R.E.A.T.H.E.?
by BREAVA™
Did You Know…
90%
of men that have heart attacks have modifiable risk factors* that can be identified
94%
of women who suffer a heart attack have modifiable risk factors
80%
of heart disease can be prevented by adopting risk lowering lifestyle changes
50%
of survivors of myocardial infarction have significant anxiety and/or depression
50%
increase in CVD** events are associated with social isolation and loneliness
61%
increased risk of coronary heart disease is associated with PTSD
GUIDED IMAGERY
B.R.E.A.T.H.E. guides you through intrinsic and extrinsic visualizations that help reduce stress.
CONTROLLED BREATHING
Controlled breathing triggers the body’s mechanism for lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
POSITIVE SELF TALK
Optimism and positive outlook have been shown to lower stress and reduce cardiovascular risk.
According to the American Heart Association…
Findings from studies to date on psychological health and cardiovascular disease (CVD) can be summarized as follows:
- Psychological health is an important component of wellness/well-being for patients with or at risk for CVD
The mind, heart, and body are all interconnected and interdependent in a relationship that can be called the mind-heart-body connection - There is a substantial body of good-quality data showing clear associations between psychological health and CVD and risk
- There is increasing evidence that psychological health may be causally linked to biological processes and behaviors that contribute to and cause CVD
- The preponderance of data suggests that interventions to improve psychological health can have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health
- Consideration of psychological health is advisable in the evaluation and management of patients with or at risk for CVD
“No one is immune to stress, whether real or imagined.”
– Dr. John M. Kennedy
Beware Of the Harmful Effects of Stress?
Stress triggers a physiological response that damages our delicate cardiac tissue and can cause symptoms including:
PHYSIOLOGICAL
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- High blood pressure
- Low libido
- Increased risk of chronic diseases
- Heart attack
EMOTIONAL / MENTAL
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression / Sadness
- Panic attacks
- Withdrawn
- Easily overwhelmed
BEHAVIORAL
- Alcohol abuse
- Gambling
- Overeating or comfort eating
- Compulsive behavior
- Smoking
- Drug abuse
HI, I’M DR. JOHN M. KENNEDY
Cardiologist, Author, Speaker
Learn How To Reduce Your Stress Anywhere, Anytime!
Stress is BAD for the heart! Especially daily stress that stems from your work, finances, relationships, commute, or any other daily stress.
B.R.E.A.T.H.E. helps “heal” your heart.
Testimonials
“The BREATHE videos are beautiful, relaxing, and give immediate results. They’re easy to access and help me focus and relax before surgery and when on set.”
— Andrew Ordon, MD
Emmy Award-winning television show co-host, The Doctors
“BREATHE is a powerful relaxation exercise that teaches kids important tools they can use throughout their lives.”
— Goldie Hawn
Award Winning Actor, Founder MindUp
“I love feeling more and more relaxed with each step of BREATHE. It’s my go-to for preparing before meetings with clients.”
— Rachel Nguyen
Director of Innovation and Design, a major automotive company
“Sometimes after a run it’s hard to slow down and unwind. Using BREATHE always helps me relax and feel my heart rate fall.”
— Phil Hershey
Captain, Los Angeles, CA Fire Department
“Sometimes my thoughts are racing at the end of my day. BREATHE always helps slow down, relax and get a great night’s sleep.”
— Mike Goldberg
CEO and Restaurateur
“BREATHE is a phenomenal exercise that helps kids to relax and start their day. Sometimes making the transition from home to the classroom can be challenging.”
— Joanne Topp-Golden
Dean, Sinoloa Middle School
“I feel like I am constantly on the run. Using BREATHE for just a few minutes a day makes me feel like I’ve been on vacation.”
— Lisa Dietrich
Realtor and Mom to 2 middle school kids
“BREATHE is a much needed, powerful stress reduction exercise that will help heal many hearts.”
— Ralph Brindis, MD, MACC
President Emeritus, American College of Cardiology
“BREATHE is a solid, evergreen relaxation technique that consistently teaches users to see, hear, and feel the present.”
— Dean Ornish, MD
Author, researcher, clinical professor of medicine, UCSF.
“Learning to visualize the goal is essential. BREATHE is the best way to consistently see, feel, and prepare for your shot.“
— Alex Galvan
PGA Golf Instructor
“BREATHE really helps take the edge off and has really helped me perform my best on tests.”
— Theresa Siri
College student, Business & Economics Major
FREE e-Book for Kids
(included with subscription at no additional cost)
In his latest e-book, The Heart & Brain Play Jump Rope, renowned author, speaker, and cardiologist Dr. John Kennedy has created an engaging visual and literary tool to teach grade school kids about the Heart-Brain connection and how stressful events can affect their bodies.
By using the metaphor of the jump rope to illustrate how the brain can create a physiologic response in the heart and body, Dr. Kennedy provides an accessible way to help kids learn to exercise control over their body’s response to stress and anxiety.
TAKE THE STRESS QUIZ
The B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Library
by BREAVA™
The B.R.E.A.T.H.E. library includes 25 stress-reducing videos including 5 FREE FOREVER videos for students of all ages.
Disclaimer
The BREATHE with Dr. Kennedy video library is composed of stress reducing exercises designed to lower stress caused by specific triggers outlined in this program and website.
Stress is common, unpredictable, and experienced regularly in our everyday lives. Stress is not a medical diagnosis though does lead to the release of stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol which can cause immediate physiologic changes in our body leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and dry mouth. Over time, stress can lead to medical problems such as high blood pressure and other medical issues for which you should consult a medical professional.
If you are experiencing stress which is constant, overwhelming, and interfering with your everyday life, you should seek professional medical help.
The BREATHE exercises although effective in reducing stress should not be used as an alternative for any medications, therapies or treatments prescribed by your medical practitioner.