Since it’s the only one we have, it’s critical that we treat it with as much love and care as possible! We all need to make sure our heart is healthy, but for older adults especially, it may take a little more effort to avert serious complications like heart attacks, heart disease, elevated blood pressure and more. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we have the perfect opportunity to show some love to our hearts so they can continue to take care of us in the years to come!
Live Free Home Healthcare of New Hampshire suggests the following to maximize heart health in seniors:
- Give stress the boot. Stress that isn’t well managed can increase an older adult’s chance of developing heart disease, and also add to the likelihood of making less-than-healthy lifestyle choices. Seek out a trusted friend, family member, clergy member or counselor to help alleviate stress and come up with a healthy way to better manage it.
- Don’t stop moving. Physical activity and exercise benefit seniors in a variety of ways, such as improving cognitive functioning, enhancing mood and socialization, maintaining a healthy weight and helping with heart functioning, just to name a few. If possible, seniors should try to achieve at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
- Kick the bad habits. Smoking, over-consuming alcohol, and making unhealthy eating choices can all have dire consequences on our hearts.
- Keep chronic conditions under control. Chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure heighten the risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack. It’s important to adhere closely to doctors’ orders, stay on top of regular medical check-ups, and take all medications as prescribed, which may include a daily aspirin if the doctor recommends it.
The following symptoms of heart disease require immediate medical assistance:
- Pressure or pain in the chest
- Pain in the back, shoulder or neck
- Weakness, faintness, or light-headedness
- Vomiting/nausea
- Feelings of being unable to catch your breath
- Perspiring
- Irregular heartbeat
- Feelings of fullness or indigestion
Live Free Home Health Care offers a wide variety of New Hampshire home care services to assist seniors with improving heart health or any other condition of aging. Whether that means providing transportation to medical appointments, picking up prescriptions, preparing healthy meals, or a full range of skilled nursing care services, older adults and their families can depend on Live Free Home Health Care to improve quality of life.
To learn more about how we can help your senior loved one thrive at home, contact us online or call us at 603-217-0149.