You’re never too young, or too old, to take care of your heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The month of February is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and increasing people’s knowledge about prevention. So this month, take some time to educate yourself on the dangers of heart disease and get on track to better heart health.
Although certain health conditions and your lifestyle can put you at higher risk for developing heart disease, you can still make healthy choices to better manage your disease and related symptoms. Here are some tips to get started.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol and high in fiber. Take the salt shaker off the table and add herbs to boost the flavor of your favorite foods.
- Monitor your blood pressure at home or have it checked regularly at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. High blood pressure has no symptoms but can increase your risk of developing heart disease.
- Keep an eye on your blood sugar and cholesterol. Ask your doctor about the optimal levels for your age group and learn how to reach and maintain those levels.
- Get active. People who don’t exercise are more likely to get heart disease, than people who are active. Can’t get to the senior center or gym? Even a walk around your home or neighborhood can help. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you aren’t active now.
- Make sure you schedule a regular check-up with your doctor to talk about heart health and determine your risk for developing heart disease.
If you do have heart disease, Home Health VNA has programs and services that might be able to help you manage your disease. Learn more about them here.