Keeping Your Heart Healthy

There are many things that can be done to help keep your heart healthy.

1. Stay physically active by doing anything that gets the heart pumping will help. For many of our seniors taking a brisk walk may be out of the question, however, our homes offer activities such as stretching, and daily “Sit n Yoga” classes. Even a short walk around the premises can help our seniors be more physically active.

2. If you smoke, quit. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. Smoking adds to the damage to artery walls. It’s never too late to get some benefit from quitting smoking. Quitting, even in later life, can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer over time.

3. Follow a heart-healthy diet. Choose foods that are low in trans and saturated fats, added sugars, and salt. As we get older, we become more sensitive to salt, which can cause swelling in the legs and feet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber, like those made from whole grains.

4. Keep a healthy weight. Balancing the calories you eat and drink with the calories burned by being physically active helps to maintain a healthy weight. Some ways you can maintain a healthy weight include limiting portion size and being physically active.

5. Keep your diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or high cholesterol under control. Follow your doctor’s advice to manage these conditions, and take medications as directed.

Our caregivers and managers at MD Senior Living have only our resident’s health and well-being in their mind. They cook high-quality, meals, check vitals, and encourage physical exercise to keep all hearts beating strong!

Sendhil Krishnan, MD, FACC