Heart Health Tips for those 65 and over
Did you know that more than half of Americans aged 65 and over have at least one risk factor for heart disease? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in this age group. In order to avoid such a fate, it’s important to take care of your body by following some simple steps and getting regular checkups from your family physician.
Whether you’re a grandparent, auntie, or parent of someone over 65 – it’s important to know the warning signs for heart disease and stroke. It may seem like your loved one is in good health but they could be hiding their symptoms from you.
Read on for five signs that might indicate your loved one has heart disease
1. Chest pain
2. Shortness of breath
3. Fatigue
4. Persistent cough
5. Sudden weight loss
If any of these are present, get medical attention immediately!
Heart Health Tips for those 65 and over
1. Exercise – physical activity helps to keep your heart healthy
2. Eat a diet low in fat and high in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and beans
3. Maintain a normal weight through eating right and exercising
4. Drink alcohol only in moderation or not at all if you have cardiovascular disease
5. Quit smoking – tobacco use is the number one cause of death from heart disease
6. Get enough sleep for your age (7-8 hours) which also reduces stress levels that can affect health
Heart disease can be a scary thought for anyone, but it is even more frightening when you are an elderly person. So what do we need to do in order to avoid this fate? Follow these six simple steps! Exercise and eat healthy foods so that your body stays strong. And don’t forget about the importance of drinking alcohol moderately or not at all if you have cardiovascular disease. Finally, quitting smoking will lead to better health overall.
Always remember that if you don’t feel qualified or able to take care of your loved one, we can help. To learn more about our assisted living, long-term living, or rehabilitation services, be sure to give us a call at (937) 319-8924.
