Heart Health Tips For Seniors

Healthy habits are your heart’s desire.” unknown

Your heart works harder for you than almost any other muscle in your body…it works day and night, whether you’re happy or sad, or whether you’re tired or full of energy…it just keeps on pumping. So it stands to reason, that as you age, your heart is aging also, and you need to consider your heart health more, so that it helps you keep aging and living a productive life.

It’s important that everyone, especially seniors, know and understand when your body is warning you of an impending heart attack…

Symptoms you may be having a heart attack

• Men most often experience chest pain or tightness, while women often experience pain that is going down their arm.
• Both may feel pain in the jaw, neck, back or abdomen
• Extreme fatigue or shortness of breath
• Nausea or lightheadedness

You can lower your risk of heart failure if you live a healthy lifestyle, but if you need to make some changes, these are some good tips for you to follow…

Eat Heart Healthy

This isn’t new information, but sometimes everyone needs a little reminder…

• Eat whole grains – They are a great source of fiber. Oats, ground flaxseed and beans are a great source of soluble fibers, these are fibers that can be dissolved in water, and they will help keep your sugar levels in control and lower your cholesterol.
• Eat fewer processed foods – Yes, they’re convenient, but they are usually high in sodium, trans fats and sugars.
• Drink plenty of water – As you age, it’s easier to become dehydrated, which strains your heart and causes it to have to work harder.
• Cut back on salt – Sodium is a leading cause of high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of heart disease.
• Choose low-fat proteins – Opt for foods such as eggs, seafood, beans or even lean meats for your source of protein to help keep your fat and cholesterol levels low.

Get Moving

As your body ages, sometimes it just feels tired, and so you have a tendency to slow down, and move less. But that’s when you need to do just the opposite…get out of that “Lazy Boy” chair and take the dog for a walk, putter around in the garden, or go window shopping at the mall. You don’t need a gym membership to get the exercise you need, you only need about 30 minutes a day of low intensity movement. It will help you lower your cholesterol, your blood pressure, sleep better, prevent bone loss, and give you more energy.

Know Your Numbers

Your numbers can give you a good indication of your heart health, then if they change from a healthy level, you’ll know adjustments need to be made and possibly a visit to your doctor. These are the numbers you should be monitoring, your doctor can help you understand a healthy range for you:

• Glucose or blood sugar levels
• Blood pressure
• Bad cholesterol (LDL)
• Good cholesterol (HDL)
• Overall cholesterol
• Triglycerides or waxy fats

We are Certified Senior Move Managers recognized by our National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASMM! We are committed to serving our seniors with a high standard of ethics, best business practices and continuing education to help make whatever transition they are going through a Smooth Transition.

Contact us to learn how we can help you and/or your family with senior downsizing and moving anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area, additionally we can assist if you are moving out of state.

We offer a Free consultation.

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