American Hearth Month: How Seniors Can Fight Back Against America’s No. 1 Killer
There’s a killer at large.
February is American Heart Month, an important time for everyone to consider cardiovascular health and take steps towards mitigating heart disease — the leading cause of death among Americans annually.
The origins of American Heart Month dates back to 1964, when President Lyndon B. Johnson — a victim of heart attack — signed the first American Heart Month into law. Since then, the proclamation has led to a full month dedicated to raising awareness about serious cardiac illnesses in adults and how one can prevent them.
Reduce the Risk
At Cass County Medical Care Facility, we aim to help every patient achieve their optimal health outcomes. This means promoting activities that can reduce their risk for developing heart conditions during their senior years.
One of the most important things seniors can do to enhance their cardiovascular health is exercise regularly. Even if it is hard for them to do strenuous physical activity, practicing simple exercises such as walking or stretching can make a profound difference in senior’s overall health in terms of improving blood circulation and reducing cholesterol levels. Such movement may even improve symptoms related to arthritis or chronic pain without needing any additional medications or treatments.
Additionally, seniors should be mindful of their diets, eating foods that are low in saturated fats like lean proteins from fish or poultry sources instead of red meats. It’s also important for seniors to watch their sodium intake by opting for fresh fruits instead of processed items with high sodium content.
Along with exercise and diet changes, there are other small steps seniors can take each day that contribute greatly to their cardiovascular wellbeing. One example is quitting smoking, if they have not done so already; as we now know, tobacco use increases one’s risk of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease, among others.
Seniors should also pay attention to their stress levels since consistent strain on mental health can increase one’s chances for having a heart attack or stroke over time. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing can help manage stress levels over time. Lastly, regular check-ups with one’s doctor are critical in keeping track of blood pressure levels as well as identifying any early warning signs related to heart disease before they become more serious issues down the line.
How CCMCF Can Help
At Cass County Medical Care Facility, we understand how important it is for seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle — both physically and mentally — during American Heart Month and throughout the year. That’s why we offer comprehensive rehabilitation services designed specifically for our senior patients that helps address all aspects of cardiac care from physical therapy exercises that promote mobility and strength training sessions tailored toward individual needs. We do this all while making sure our patients’ minds remain engaged through activities and cognitive stimulation exercises provided by certified professionals on staff at our facility. Contact us today with your questions or to learn more services!