February is American Heart Month. The goal of this campaign that’s been around since 1963, is to create an awareness of the importance of heart health and encourage people to actively take steps toward better heart health. Many Americans participate in lifestyles that are unhealthy for their hearts and thus increase their risk of developing serious heart health issues as they age.
Common Heart Diseases
Any disease that affects the heart’s ability to function fully and without problems is considered heart disease. Some conditions may affect several areas of the heart and its ability to function while others may affect multiple areas of the heart and the cardiovascular system.
- Congestive heart failure. This chronic condition is often caused by a heart that is weak, stiff, or a combination of the two. It can lead to fatigue, water retention, and swelling, along with fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Heart rhythm disorders. Conditions like arrhythmias make the heart beat irregularly. It may be too fast, too slow, too hard, or too weak and cause chest pain or weakness.
- Coronary artery disease. This is the most common type of heart disease and occurs when the vessels leading to and from the heart become blocked with plaque, making it difficult for the heart to get its needed oxygen, blood, and nutrients.
- High blood pressure. Brought on by too much force needing to be used to move blood around the body, this condition can put excess strain on the heart.
Five Ways to Celebrate American Heart Month
Your loved one can incorporate some of these practices into his month either on his own, with you, or with a personal care at home provider. For big changes like diet and exercise, it can help to have a personal care at home provider as part of the implementation process. A personal care at home provider can help your loved one stay on track and make some positive health choices that will improve his heart health.
There are lots of ways to recognize and create positive changes to celebrate this month. Here are five.
- Have your loved one commit to a regular walking schedule. Walking is a great form of exercise that can improve his heart health. Instead of having it just be a leisurely activity he does when the mood hits, encourage him to make it a regular part of his schedule so he builds up the health benefits of being active.
- Get tested for his important heart numbers and make that testing a regular part of his health care. Some diseases, like high blood pressure, can only be detected by a certain test done by a doctor. Help your loved one stay on track with regular heart health monitoring such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight.
- Try a new “healthy” meal each week this month. Help your loved one try some new meal ideas to get him out of the rut of eating high-fat, high-sodium meals for each meal.
- Quit bad habits. Smoking, drinking too much, and being overly sedentary all lead to heart health issues.
- Know the symptoms of a heart attack. The sooner your loved one can get help once a heart attack begins, the more likely he is to recover from the heart attack.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Newtown, CT, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers LLC. today at (203) 628-7438
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