It’s February! Celebrate American Heart Month and keep it healthy.
The American Heart Association1 estimates more than one in three American adults are currently living with cardiovascular disease. Of these 85.6 million individuals, nearly half are 60 years of age or older.
Alliance Homecare embraces a holistic approach to overall health and wellness, with heart health being a priority. We offer a community of experts ranging from physical therapists to nutritional counselors to psychologists and other medical professionals, all of whom work to ensure a better quality of life, both physically and mentally, for all our clients.
What can you do to keep our most important organ beating loud and strong? Start with these heart-healthy tips:
Exercise regularly. Physical activity, in some cases, can be the biggest factor in reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease. For older adults, moderate exercise under the supervision of a licensed professional goes a long way.
Eat healthy. How we nourish our bodies and minds only becomes more important as we age. Pack your diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Utilize locally grown, nutrient dense ingredients that are both vibrant and delicious. Be sure to limit saturated fats, salt and foods containing cholesterol.
Know your numbers. Medical monitoring is crucial to stay on top of cardiovascular disease. Get regular check-ups to monitor your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Follow the advice of your medical professionals to keep them under control. Blood pressure, blood sugar, and body weight can also be easily monitored between doctor visits.
Maintain a healthy weight for your size. Excess body fat can strain your heart and increase your risk for heart disease — even with no other risk factors.
Cut out bad habits. If you do smoke, it’s time to quit. Limiting alcohol will also help alleviate health conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol that contribute to heart disease.
Reduce stress levels. While it’s true everyone responds differently to stress, studies show that chronic stress is bad news for your heart. There are endless possibilities when it comes to lowering stress — everything from music or pet therapy, support groups and mindfulness programs to massage, exercise and more. Find what works for you.
This month, celebrate the power of love and the power of staying heart-healthy! If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about Alliance Homecare’s comprehensive, holistic and collaborative offerings, call (877) 687-7380 to speak with our expert Care Managers today.
References: 1. The American Heart Association. Statistics on Older Americans. http://bit.ly/2nJvJbq. Accessed February 8, 2018.
