February is American Hearth Month and it’s a great time for seniors to think about ways that they can improve their heart health. Seniors have a higher risk of developing heart disease and heart problems than other age groups. So, seniors need to be doing everything they can to improve their heart health and prevent heart problems. Having 24-hour home care providers can help seniors improve their heart health by supporting seniors as they make healthy lifestyle changes. 24-hour home care providers help seniors eat healthier, exercise more, and get to medical screenings. They can help seniors with housework and other tasks too.

In addition to having 24-hour home care seniors should try these 10 things to improve their heart health and lower the risk of heart attacks or heart disease:

Move More Each Day

Exercise is one of the most important things seniors can do to improve their heart health. Exercises like walking and swimming are low-impact so even seniors with health issues can do them, and there are big health benefits seniors get from regular exercise. Strength training, yoga, and stretching exercises are also good for any seniors. Any movement is good movement, so seniors who are relatively sedentary can improve their heart health just by making small steps to be more active.

Switch To A Heart-Healthy Diet

Seniors who want to improve their health and keep their hearts strong should eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting processed foods, saturated fats, and salt can lower your senior parent’s risk of health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

Keep A Healthy Blood Pressure

Seniors should monitor and manage their blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Seniors who notice that their blood pressure is high should talk to their doctor. Medication can be very helpful for keeping blood pressure in a normal range. That will help seniors lower their risk of developing heart disease.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is terrible for everyone’s health, but it’s especially harmful for seniors. In addition to the damage smoking does to the lungs, skin, teeth, and circulation it also can increase the risk for heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease. Talk to your senior parent about quitting smoking. Ask their doctor to discuss medication and other treatment options with them that can help them quit.

Control Cholesterol Levels

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for heart health. Seniors should see their doctor regularly to have their cholesterol levels checked. Medications and diet changes can help seniors who have high cholesterol lower it.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Weight plays a big role in overall health, especially for seniors. Being overweight increases the chances that seniors will have serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease. It can be difficult for seniors to lose weight, but with medication, a commitment to exercise, and a healthy diet, seniors can get to a healthy weight and stay there.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can have a big impact on health, and more than 70% of seniors are chronically dehydrated. Seniors should be drinking water throughout the day. Water is the best thing for seniors to drink but low-calorie or sugar-free juices, herbal teas, milk, protein drinks, and other beverages are also good for seniors to drink.

Manage Diabetes

Seniors with diabetes should work closely with their healthcare team to manage blood sugar levels. Controlling diabetes effectively can significantly reduce the risk of heart-related complications.

Don’t Drink Excessively

A glass of wine here and there can have a positive effect on a senior’s health. But seniors should avoid hard alcohol and beer except on rare occasions. And seniors shouldn’t be drinking every day. Too much alcohol can increase the risk of heart disease.

Prioritize Mental Health

Mental health is closely linked to heart health. Seniors should engage in activities that promote emotional well-being, such as socializing with friends, participating in hobbies, and practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation or mindfulness.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Baltimore MD please get in touch with the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258

A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.

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Venus Ricks, RN CM/DN

CEO/Founder at Vital Sign Home Care

Venus Ricks love for people and desire to help others is why she became a Nurse. As a Registered Nurse, Venus took her nursing experience beyond the hospital floors. Inspired by her own story and desire to help others, she launched her healthcare training center. Ambitions at heart, never letting any grass grow under her feet, she didn't stop at training. Her tenure as a Delegating Nurse and need, motivated her to open Mabel's House Assisted Living in honor of her grandmother Mabel, serving the elderly and vulnerable population. Simultaneously, Vital Sign Home Care was also launched, serving the same population.

Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.

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