Every February, American Heart Month raises awareness about the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health. Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services is reminding all the independent seniors in Southwest Broward County, Florida, however, that taking care of your heart isn’t just a one-month project – it’s a year-round endeavor!
Whether you’re looking to tighten up an already heart-healthy routine, or need ideas for how to start one, read on. The three Seniors Helping Seniors® tips that follow are changes you can make today to live your best tomorrow!
Exercise Daily
Whenever possible, get moving – it’s the best path to a healthy heart! Experts suggest at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day to protect your ticker and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle.
So, grab a friend, family member, or a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver and start working the following activities into your routine to build cardiovascular endurance, keeping your heart and body strong!
- Weight training is a triple threat – it builds muscle, regulates weight, AND strengthens the heart! Start small, though, and gradually work up to heavier amounts to protect from muscle strain.
- Cardio improves blood flow and circulation around the heart, which is key to keeping the small vessels surrounding it clear of blockages. Aerobic exercises come in many forms – walking, biking, dancing, swimming – as long as the blood’s pumping, your body is reaping the benefits!
- Yoga involves deep breathing to reduce stress, another fantastic way to keep your ticker functioning well! In addition to lowering stress – a leading cause of heart disease – practicing yoga can decrease and regulate heart rate and boost circulation.
Adjust to Keep Active
If you can exercise outside, great! Fresh air is always a boost to the heart and mind. However, the weather in Southwest Broward County, FL can be unpredictable this time of year, so be prepared to adapt your routine. For example, do laps in your house for cardio or invest in a couple senior-focused weight-training or yoga apps when you don’t feel like leaving home or when the weather isn’t cooperating. The important thing is to keep moving – your heart will thank you!
Reminder: Everyone has different physical needs and capabilities, so always consult a trainer and/or your doctor before starting a new fitness routine.
Dig In to a Heart-Smart Diet
Being physically active is only one aspect of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Eating well is another significant piece of the puzzle.
Add the following to your regular diet – all are good sources of heart-healthy vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, and healthy fats, which are important in lowering cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, and minimizing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains — avoid refined grain products whenever possible
- Lean meat, poultry, and fish (especially salmon and mackerel)
- Low-fat dairy products and eggs
- Legumes, like beans, peas, and lentils – all make excellent substitutes for protein
- Green tea
Make Good Choices
Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats. Instead, choose olive, canola, or vegetable oil and use margarine rather than butter. Watch salt intake as well – too much can lead to high blood pressure, which is tough on the heart.
Fried food, which is generally high in cholesterol and unhealthy fats, and meals cooked with lots of butter are traditional preparations throughout many parts of the Southeast. For a healthier option, choose dishes that are grilled, steamed, or baked whenever possible. Controlling portion size is important as well, as overeating packs in more calories than needed and can contribute to heart disease.
Need some help getting started? Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can assist with planning meals, finding healthy options at the grocery store, and offering personal knowledge and experience when trying different cooking methods. After all, new ventures are always more fun with the company of a friend!
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
It’s good practice to limit smoking and alcoholic beverage intake in general, as these habits can lead to health issues in people of all ages. But it’s especially important for seniors who want to stay active and independent!
It’s Never Too Late to Quit
Smoking cigarettes increases the formulation of plaque in blood vessels and damages artery walls, significantly contributing to heart disease. Even if you’ve smoked for years, quitting now can lower your risk of developing the condition.
Take advantage of the help available from Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services. Our caregivers can provide the encouragement needed to finally kick this habit!
Be Smart About Alcohol
Drinking alcohol is also detrimental to your heart because it raises blood pressure and increases the chance of heart failure. If you can’t cut it out completely, moderation is key. Experts recommend limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one or two drinks a day.
At Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services, we’re committed to helping our care receivers feel great and remain independent – and maintaining a healthy heart is crucial! Our caregivers, who are seniors themselves, understand how important it is for those we serve to keep their ticker in prime shape and will be there every step of the journey to developing heart healthy habits!
Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services is an exceptional program of care and compassion that matches seniors who want to provide services with those who are looking for help. Our caregivers can assist seniors with meal preparation, light housekeeping, providing transportation to doctor’s visits, shopping, and running other errands, and so much more. We like to say it’s… Like getting a little help from your friends® We service all of Southwest Broward County, Florida. Give us a call today at 954-202-5200. |