February is a month to celebrate all things heart-related, thanks to Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month. Since your risk of heart disease increases rapidly with age, it’s never too late to start habits that can keep you healthy. Here are a few tips for making heart health a priority in your regular routines.
Heart Health Tip #1: Eat Colorful and Healthy Foods
You know the saying, “you are what you eat”? It’s absolutely true! A healthy and well-balanced diet results in a healthy body, including a strong heart. The American Heart Association recommends eating colorful foods that aren’t processed. Don’t worry; you don’t have to become a professional chef to create some delicious options that are full of healthy proteins, fats, and vitamins. You can start by swapping out salmon for a steak a few times per month and choosing to munch on a handful of almonds instead of a bag of chips.
How Total Care Connections Can Help
Our caregivers are ready to assist clients with healthy meal planning and preparation. It’s so much easier to eat a heart-healthy diet when one of our friendly caregivers is there to prepare it and make extras for the fridge.
Heart Health Tip #2: Get Moving
You don’t have to start training for a marathon to get the benefits that exercise brings to your heart. In fact, you can give your heart the exercise it needs by committing to moving your body every day. Start by a quick visit to your doctor to ensure you can start a new routine and begin with a simple neighborhood walk daily. You’ll find that you look forward to your daily stroll in no time.
How Total Care Connections Can Help
Our caregivers are there to provide encouragement as well as assistance as you lace up your shoes and get moving. Together, we can start a walking routine, regular chair yoga session, or a hike along a favorite trail. You can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands with our team.
Heart Health Tip #3: Get Better Sleep
Sleep disruptions increase with age, and that’s not good news for your heart health. Fortunately, you can stop insomnia in its tracks by developing a regular and consistent bedtime routine that includes less screen time and more time to relax.
How Total Care Connections Can Help
Our caregivers are available to assist with bedtime tasks, which can sometimes be frustrating for those who need a little extra support. Further, our nursing team can track your sleep habits and how your current medication regimen could be affecting a good night’s rest.
Heart Health Tip #4: Stop the Stress
It’s not hard to believe that most older adults are quite stressed out thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, a stressed-out heart is an unhealthy heart. The good news? Taking even small steps, like practicing daily gratitude or meditation can make a huge difference in your stress levels.
How Total Care Connections Can Help
Socially isolated seniors are more likely to feel depressed and anxious. Regular visits from a Total Care Connections caregiver can provide feelings of connection and friendship, which will lead to lower stress levels.
Ready to take a step toward heart health? We’d love to support you as you do! Call us for a free consultation today.
