February is American Heart Month

American Heart Month: Enjoy your senior years with a healthy heart

American Heart Month is a good time to remember that as we age, it’s important to “remain young at heart”. While that phrase refers to keeping our mind active and alert, it’s also important to keep our heart strong and healthy. February is a great time to think of our heart and ways in which to keep it pumping along with great care, because February is American Heart Month.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is a major problem. Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year — that’s 1 out of every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, seniors and younger.

The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), which occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease can cause heart attack, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

The good news is that heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.

How can American Heart Month make a difference?

We can use this month to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it — both at home and in the community.

• Encourage families to make small changes, like using spices to season their food instead of salt.
• Motivate teachers and administrators to make physical activity a part of the school day. This can help students start good habits early.
• Ask doctors and nurses to be leaders in their communities by speaking out about ways to prevent heart disease.
• Join the American Heart Association’s national movement in support of healthier communities and healthier lives.
• Strive to prevent heart disease in your own life.

Ways to prevent heart disease

Some health conditions and lifestyle factors can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. You can help prevent heart disease by making healthy choices and managing any medical conditions you may have.

Be sure to:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Monitor your blood pressure
• Don’t smoke
• Limit alcohol use
• Have your cholesterol checked
• Manage your diabetes
• Take your medicine

As a way to celebrate American Heart Month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a heart-healthy game plan for February they call 28 Days to a Healthier Heart. Read their plan and try to follow it each day. Then, you too, can have a healthy heart.

During the month of February, check back often. Alternatives for Seniors will continue to post helpful information, tips, checklists and more in honor of American Heart Month.

If you’re seeking a senior residence for yourself or a family member — now or in the future — Alternatives for Seniors can help. To begin your search for senior living residences, visit alternativesforseniors.com. There you can easily find a senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community where seniors can remain safe and in great care. You can also call a Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747).

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Blog Date: February 7, 2014

writer: Ryan Allen