What You Need to Know This Heart Health Month

Our bodies undergo natural changes as we age, and our hearts are no exception. February is Heart Health Month, which emphasizes the importance of taking care of our hearts, and it’s the perfect time to learn how you can lead a more heart-healthy lifestyle. 

The Woodlands at Canterfield is a luxury West Dundee senior living community that strives to provide resources that educate older adults and families on prioritizing health and wellness. We’re sharing how you can improve your heart health this month – and all year! – by focusing on regular check-ups, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising and managing stress.

Regular Check-ups

One of the most effective ways to prioritize your heart health is to keep up with routine check-ups. These appointments allow doctors to spot issues early before they become significant problems. Regular screenings and tests can monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other vital indicators of heart health.

Routine visits to your healthcare provider also offer a chance to discuss concerns and adjust treatment plans as needed. Don’t underestimate the power of prevention; early detection can make all the difference!

Diet

What we put on our plates significantly impacts our heart health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help maintain a healthy heart, especially when you limit your intake of sodium, unhealthy fats and sugars.

Key heart-healthy foods include:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibers and low in calories.
  
• Whole Grains: An excellent source of fiber that can help lower your risk of heart disease.
  
• Lean Proteins: Including fish, poultry, and beans, these proteins are low in unhealthy fats.
  
• Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, and olive oil can help lower cholesterol levels.

Remember, a balanced, nutritious diet goes hand in hand with other lifestyle factors to keep your heart in good shape.

Exercise

Physical activity is another essential aspect of maintaining heart health, as well as general well-being. Regular exercise helps improve heart function, keeps weight under control and can lower blood pressure.

For older adults, it’s crucial to find safe, enjoyable activities. These may include:

• Walking: Walking is a simple yet effective way to prevent cardiovascular disease, and it can be adjusted to any individual’s fitness level. Whether you want to take a quick walk around the block with your friends or hop onto a treadmill at your nearest fitness center, walking is an excellent way to keep your heart health in check.
  
• Swimming or Water Aerobics: Swimming works out the heart and the lungs by training the body to use oxygen more efficiently, but you don’t have to be an Olympic-level swimmer to enjoy this fun form of exercise. Swimming and water aerobics are easy on the joints while providing a great workout.
  
• Yoga or Tai Chi: Studies have shown that just eight weeks of participating in Tai Chi can improve blood pressure, and yoga is known for lowering heart rate and blood cholesterol. Aside from improving heart health, both are excellent for improving flexibility, balance and stress relief.

Remember, it’s always essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen.

Stress Management

Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of stress management. Chronic stress can negatively affect heart health by increasing blood pressure and triggering harmful habits like overeating, smoking or alcohol consumption. Fortunately, several techniques can help manage stress:

• Meditation and Breathing Exercises: These practices can help calm the mind and relax the body.
  
• Gentle Exercise: As mentioned earlier, activities like yoga can aid in stress relief.
  
• Social Connections: Staying connected with friends and family can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of stress.
  
• Hobbies: Engaging in activities you enjoy is a great way to relieve stress and promote overall well-being.

Remember, managing stress is not a luxury but an essential part of maintaining heart health.

Maintaining heart health as we age involves a multifaceted approach: regular check-ups, balanced nutrition, regular exercise and stress management. While it may seem daunting, even small changes can make a big difference. This Heart Health Month, commit to making heart-healthy choices for a longer, healthier life. Remember, it’s never too late to start caring for your heart!

We invite you to contact our West Dundee senior living team to learn more about healthy aging and active living at The Woodlands at Canterfield!