President Lyndon B. Johnson declared February as American Heart Month back in 1963. This annual event brings awareness to heart health. Take time this February to learn these facts about heart disease and heart health.
There Are Six Main Types of Heart Disease
#1 – Coronary Artery Disease: Coronary artery disease is the most common. It occurs when the heart’s arteries become narrow or harden.
#2 – Myocardial Infarction: Myocardial infarction is often the first sign of heart disease. Put simply, it’s a heart attack that usually follows coronary artery disease.
#3 – Congestive Heart Failure: Congestive heart failure is a health condition where the heart doesn’t pump effectively.
#4 – Heart Valve Disease: There are four valves within the heart. When one or more of those valves do not open and close properly, it’s called heart valve disease.
#5 – Cardiomyopathy: When the heart muscle stiffens or enlarges, it may not pump blood correctly. This is known as cardiomyopathy.
#6 – Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms where the heartbeats fluctuate for no apparent reason.
Dietary Changes Can Help
Your parents may need to change their eating habits. Instead of getting frozen meals and canned foods, get them to focus on homemade meals that contain whole grains, fresh produce, lean proteins, and heart-healthy oils like walnut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil.
If they want to follow a specific diet, doctors usually recommend the DASH Diet or the Mediterranean Diet as they both focus on seafood, vegetables, whole grains, and limited sugars and baked goods made with all-purpose flour.
High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, and Smoking Increase Your Risk
If your parents smoke, have high blood pressure, or have high cholesterol, that increases the risk of heart disease. It’s estimated that half of all Americans have at least one of these. Heavy drinking, diabetes, and obesity also increase your risk.
Get the Yearly Flu Shot
While it may surprise you, an annual flu shot can help with heart health. The flu increases inflammation, which is bad for the heart.
Diet and Exercise Are Important
You must get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. You need to encourage your parents to go for walks, ride a bike, or use in-home equipment to keep them moving. While 30 minutes is the recommendation, urge them to boost it to a full hour if possible.
Home care aides can help you make sure your parents complete their exercise requirements. They can also help your parents make smarter food choices for snacks and meals. Call a home care agency to schedule caregiver services.
Sources:
https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2017/02/21/12/42/the-evolution-of-american-heart-month
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Homecare in St. Pete Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
