Senior Care Bellville OH
In 2015, President Barack Obama declared February as American Heart Month, continuing the tradition that has been in place since 1964 when February was first declared as American Heart Month. February is the perfect month to dedicate to spreading awareness of heart health as American’s will be reminded of the heart wherever they go! With Valentine cards and decorations galore, it will be hard to go anywhere without seeing the image of the heart – a great reminder of how important it is for seniors (and all Americans) to work toward improving their heart health. The fact is that cardiovascular diseases (which include heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke) are the number 1 killer of Americans, both women and men. In addition, many Americans have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and many may not even know it. This is just one of the many reasons why spreading awareness about cardiovascular diseases is so important for the health of our nation. So, what can seniors do during this American Heart Month to improve their own heart health and to spread awareness? Here are just a few ideas:
- Get Blood Pressure Checked
Getting your blood pressure checked is now easier than ever. It is a routine screening whenever you visit your doctor and you can even get it checked at your local drugstore or pharmacy at your own convenience. Checking your blood pressure is the first step, and getting high blood pressure under control is the second. If your blood pressure is high, talk with your doctor about what you can do to get it under control.
- Stop Smoking and Encourage Others to do the Same
Being a smoker is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease among other health problems. If you’d like to quit smoking, now is the time to seek help and dedicate yourself to heart health. If you have a loved one who smokes, take the time to share with them your concerns about their heart health.
- Cut Back on Sodium
Americans typically eat a diet that is dangerously high in sodium, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. Many processed foods that are found on grocery store shelves or that come out of drive-through windows are loaded with excess salt that isn’t good for a healthy heart. Seniors can make an effort this month to limit their sodium intake by cooking fresh, whole foods at home and avoiding the salt shaker whenever possible.
If you or an aging loved are considering in-home senior care in Bellville OH, contact the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at 419-610-2161.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/
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