National Heart Health Month is coming up in February, and the staff at Broadmoor Court think it's a great time for every senior to learn more about caring for their own heart or put a new heart-healthy habit into practice.
The assisted living community staff works diligently to provide healthy, fun options so seniors can stay active and maintain heart health all year. That includes heart-friendly meal and snack options in the dining rooms, on-site exercise programs, help with medication management and routine health assessments. But seniors can help ensure their own heart health by following some of the tips below.
While you should always consult your health care provider to ensure your exercise level is appropriate and adequate for your personal needs, recommendations from health organizations are at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. That doesn't necessarily mean hitting the aerobics room or getting a light jog in; simply walking briskly for 30 minutes daily can be enough to get your heart rate up and improve overall cardiovascular health. Work with your doctor and the staff at Broadmoor Court to understand what is right for you.
One part of understanding your individual cardiovascular health is tracking the right numbers. Heart-related conditions can impact (and be impacted by) your blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate and even blood sugar. If you're dealing with cardiovascular worries, the assisted living staff can help you track your vital signs and other critical numbers regularly.
Stress is a huge factor in heart health. While no one can completely remove stress from daily life, chronic stress (that which impacts your lifestyle for a long time) can be a causal factor in cardiovascular issues. If you're feeling stressed, take a look at your schedule, commitments and lifestyle and consider removing optional items that don't bring you joy. You don't have to say yes to everything, and if an event, obligation or person is weighing you down with undue stress, taking a break can be beneficial to your overall health.
When you carry extra weight, your heart has to work that much harder to keep your body functioning. Work with the staff at Broadmoor Court and your health care providers to develop a diet and nutrition program that lets you manage a health weight. Your heart will thank you, and you'll probably feel better overall too.
A heart healthy diet doesn't have to be a boring one. You can have plenty of treats and flavor, but keep from piling high-salt, high-cholesterol foods on your plate. Try swapping some fatty meats for fish that are high in omega-3 acids, and eat a handful of lightly salted nuts or seeds instead of greasy potato chips for a snack. If you're not sure how to incorporate healthy foods into your diet, the staff at Broadmoor Court can help you get started.
