February is a time when the nation spotlights heart disease

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Visiting Angels Florida West Coast

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Visiting Angels

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Dec 04, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

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Love is in the air this month, and part of that means taking the best care possible of the ones you love. February also is a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the number one killer of Americans. As part of American Heart Month, take some time to combine the two - focus on the heart health of the ones you love the most, including the seniors in your life. People aged 65 and older are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease, according to the National Institute on Aging. It’s time to get down to business. Focus on the heart health of the seniors in your life. Ensuring they get checked out by a medical professional is important. But also do some fun, healthy things together to promote heart health.

Here are 25 tips for seniors to be heart-healthy.

  1. Make an appointment to see your primary care physician. Find out how you’re doing, and see what recommendations he or she has for your heart health.
  2. Go to the free yoga classes at Venice Beach. There are classes in the morning or a sunset class at 5 p.m. each day, all for free, seven days a week.
  3. If you’re still using tobacco products and smoking at this age, it’s time to stop. Make this the year you quit. If you have a senior loved one in your life that smokes, help them stop and make it a goal for this year.
  4. Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Know your healthy ranges, and ensure you stay within those.
  5. Find some new recipes that are heart-healthy and make them together with your senior loved one.
  6. Head outside each day. Even if you’re just going to fetch the mail from the mailbox, it gets you moving and out into the fresh air.
  7. Be around people. Loneliness is bad for the heart. Find friends you want to be with, join an event at the senior center, or call up a family member you haven’t talked to in a while.
  8. Get some Zzzs. The Centers for Disease Control says getting enough sleep is vital for heart health. 
  9. Portion control is key to healthy eating. Before your meal or before you snack, measure out your portions, so you don’t overeat. 
  10. Head to the Peace River Gardens in Punta Gorda. There are different botanicals to see throughout the year. It is a great place to walk around and get some exercise while seeing the sculptures and artwork. There also are events to attend throughout the year.
  11. Make it a goal to walk at some different beaches this year. Try a new one each week. Hit some you’ve never tried before, or go back to an old favorite. Walk a little further each time you visit. Walking in the sand is great exercise, and looking at and listening to the ocean is good for the soul. 
  12. Feel the sunshine on your face at least once a day if it’s shining, even for a minute. Whether you simply step onto your patio or head to the beach, it is a great way to get into a good mood and improve your overall health.
  13. Move a little more each day, or each week. Make some goals, such as walking one block further, or riding your bike for a minute more each week. Every little bit counts, and leads to heart healthier habits.
  14. Have you gone to the grocery store and seen some odd-looking spiky fruits and wondered what they were? Put one of those in your cart and try one for the first time. See if it’s something you want to add to your heart-healthy diet. 
  15. It seems like everyone loves pickleball. Try it out and see if you’re a fan too.
  16. Hire a caregiver that can help you get moving. Compassionate caregivers at places such as Visiting Angels Punta Gorda can provide services such as companionship on a walk around the neighborhood, or fall prevention help as you do laps in your own home. 
  17. Hunt for shark’s teeth at Venice Beach. Even if you don’t find a lot, the act of bending down each time, sticking your hand in the water and seeing what treasures you’ve found is exercise, and it’s a fun hunt and thing to do. 
  18. Watch a comedy or a funny show. Laugh out loud. As they say, laughter is the best medicine.
  19. Turn on the tunes. If you have upbeat music playing in your home or car, you can’t help but bop around to it. It puts you in a good mood and adds more movement to your day. 
  20. Head to a farmer’s market and grab some fresh fruit and vegetables. Wash them up so you have healthy, ready-to-eat snacks.
  21. Make sure your seniors get up and out of bed and moving each day. If needed, hire a caregiver that can help them get dressed and ready for the day. Being dressed and ready helps put them into the right mindset to be active and alert during the day. 
  22. As you’re sitting down watching a show, lift some hand weights or do some leg lifts. Make it a goal to do 20 on each limb while you’re watching the nightly news before dinner. 
  23. Stand more if you’re able. Do some of the tasks you might usually do sitting down while standing instead. For example, pace around the house while you’re on the phone instead of sitting in your comfy chair. 
  24. Stretch each day. It not only keeps you more nimble, but stretching can get your heart rate up.
  25. Eat at least two servings of fish a week The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are great for heart health.

Visiting Angels is Here to Help

If you are looking for help with your senior loved one as they strive for heart health, our professionals at Visiting Angels Punta Gorda are here to help. We provide a variety of home care services to meet any need they might have, from getting dressed for a morning walk to help with light meal prep.

Our expert team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To learn more about our services, call us at 941-347-8288, or fill out an online form here.

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Heart Health and Fitness

How Much Can Our Caregiving Services Benefit You?Keeping fit is an important part of maintaining ones heart health. Exercise can be both safe and helpful for many people with heart disease, with and without surgery, state the authors of Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions (Bull Publishing, 2012). Exercise can lower your risk for future problems, reduce the need for hospitalization, and improve your quality of life.The American Heart Association, which suggests 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week to prevent heart disease. Walking is one of the exercises recommended by the AHA. There are tips for what to wear when walking, how many miles to walk, how many minutes to walk, how to stretch for walking, and the best time of day to walk all on the American Heart Association website.Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit program that pairs local doctors and healthcare professionals with walkers in local communities. These informal gatherings occur on a weekly or monthly basis in parks and other outdoor public spaces and can be a pleasant social activity too.Examples of Beneficial ExerciseSwimming, light calisthenics, and riding a stationary bicycle are generally considered safe conditioning activities for those with heart disease.People tend to be more successful with their exercise regimen when they have an accountability partnersomeone who provides encouragement and assistance to make it possible to reach goals.Communicate with a health care provider to get the most out of an exercise program and to ensure the safety of any new exercise regimen.Some heart conditions limit the kinds of and amount of exercise you do, explain the authors of Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions. Poor circulation, irregular heartbeats, or severe heart disease require that a health care provider might need to give clearance before a person should exercise. Always remember that if you develop new or different symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or rapid or irregular heartbeat while at rest or while exercising, you should stop what you are doing and contact your physician.Contact Homewatch CareGivers. Were happy to answer any questions you have regarding our caregiving services.  Call us today at 952-260-6223

Take a Beat for Cardiovascular Health, February is American Heart Month

Many consider February as the month to reflect on the love in their lives, but its also the time to take a beat for cardiovascular health. American Heart Month is an opportunity to build awareness around healthy living and heart health in seniors.As we age, the risk of heart disease and stroke increases. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in older adults, so maintaining heart health is crucial in reducing the risk of these conditions and improving overall health. Healthy hearts also allow for increased physical activity and energy levels, which help seniors stay more active, be more independent, and have the ability to engage in meaningful activities and relationships.Maintaining heart health also can lead to a longer lifespan. Here are some lifestyle changes and healthy habits seniors can adopt to keep their hearts healthy and reduce their risk for heart disease:Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can help improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week.Eat a healthy diet: A diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help lower the risk of heart disease. Limit the amount of salt, sugar, and processed foods in your diet.Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Smoking cessation can significantly reduce the risk of heart problems and improve overall health.Control blood pressure: High blood pressure and heart disease go hand-in-hand. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider and medications, if needed, can help keep blood pressure under control.Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can lead to health problems, but maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help lower the risk.Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart disease, so seniors should catch 7 to 9 hours of zzzs each night.Following these healthy habits can improve heart health in seniors and reduce their risk of heart disease. If a heart event does occur, cardiac rehabilitation can be a valuable part of the recovery process.WHAT IS CARDIAC REHABILITATION?Cardiac rehabilitation plays a critical role in helping seniors recover and improve their physical and mental health after a heart event, such as a heart attack, angioplasty, bypass surgery, or heart failure. Its a multidisciplinary program in senior care to help them reduce the risk of future heart problems, improve their overall quality of life, and return to normal activities as soon as possible.The exercise component of cardiac rehabilitation typically includes low- to moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as walking, cycling, or using an elliptical machine, as well as resistance training to build muscle strength and endurance. The education component of cardiac rehab may include information on healthy lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, quitting smoking, and managing stress, as well as medications and medical procedures related to heart health.BENEFITS OF CARDIAC REHABILITATIONCardiac rehabilitation plays a vital role in the recovery process of older adults who have experienced a heart event. Rehabilitation therapy supports senior heart health by helping reduce the risk of future heart problems and improving overall well-being. Cardiac rehab can also help older adults:Manage heart disease: Seniors with heart disease may choose to participate in cardiac rehabilitation as part of their management plan. The program can help reduce risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.Improve physical function: Seniors experiencing decreased physical function or those at risk for heart disease may participate in cardiac rehabilitation to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and endurance.Manage chronic conditions: Seniors with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or COPD, may opt for cardiac rehabilitation as part of their overall management plan. The program can help improve physical function and reduce the risk of complications related to these conditions.SENIOR CARE & CARDIAC REHAB AT PREMIER PLACEPremier Place is The Glenview at Pelican Bays onsite health and rehabilitation center for exceptional senior care in a comfortably elegant coastal setting. Offerings include short-term, post-acute and long-term care, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation therapies for complex medical conditions, including cardiac events.Our experienced team of healthcare professionals includes nurses, therapists and aides who provide comprehensive care to Glenview residents and others needing senior care in Naples and the surrounding area. The team works closely with seniors, their families, their doctors and caregivers to ensure every healing moment matters and provide the support they need throughout their entire recovery.Premier Places award-winning spa-like atmosphere, luxury amenities, spacious private suites, dynamic therapy gym, personalized treatment plans, and chef-prepared fine dining are designed to promote health and healing and help seniors get back to feeling their best as soon as possible.Explore Premier Place online to learn more about our centers first-class hospitality, holistic approach to health and healing, and expertise and collaboration to support exceptional care for seniors.

Recognizing signs of Afib

Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) and heart failure are increasing in prevalence worldwide and often associated with poor outcomes. However, some people are not aware they have atrial fibrillation until it is detected when a doctor is listening to the heart with a stethoscope. If you have difficulty breathing, or have chest pains lasting more than a few minutes, it is recommended to seek medical help.  Someone with A-fib can still live a long and active life with treatment from their doctor and self-management.Treatment may include medications, therapy, surgery, or catheter procedures, in order to reset the heart rhythm, control heart rate, and prevent blood clots that can lead to strokes.Self-management includes following a heart-healthy lifestyle with changes such as:Eating heart-healthy foodsExercising regularlyQuit smokingMaintain a healthy weightLimit alcoholKeep blood pressure and cholesterol under controlGet follow-up careLearn more:Atrial fibrillation [Internet] Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350630  

Local Services By This Author

Visiting Angels

Non-Medical 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, Florida, 34108

Visiting Angels has been a trusted provider of elder care services in the United States since 1998, committed to offering families the best in-home care for seniors. Operating in southern Lee County, FL, Visiting Angels Fort Myers serves the Fort Myers, Estero, and Bonita Springs areas, providing personalized non-medical in-home care services. Our experienced and passionate caregivers, known as Angels, assist with meal preparation, personal care, laundry, transportation, light housekeeping, and errands, tailored to each individual's needs.Owned and operated by Kathleen Fleming, RN, BS, CDP, Executive Director, and Karen Hill, Director of Finance, Visiting Angels of SW Florida ensures that seniors can age comfortably in their own homes while maintaining their independence and self-worth. Our on-call office staff is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and meet all homecare needs.What sets Visiting Angels apart is our thorough assessment process. Every client is assessed by an experienced Registered Nurse before services begin, allowing us to identify underlying health and personal issues. This assessment guides the caregiver's care plan and is followed by ongoing assessments. We also make referrals to medical professionals if needed, enhancing our clients' lives and well-being.We prioritize the safety and security of our clients, partnering with ClearStar for comprehensive background screenings on all caregivers. This ensures that only the most trustworthy individuals are invited into our clients' homes.If your loved one needs assistance with daily tasks or requires short-term care following hospitalization or surgery, contact us for a complimentary personal assessment conducted by a Registered Nurse. Visiting Angels is here to provide compassionate and professional care for your loved ones.

Visiting Angels

Non-Medical 25166 Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, Florida, 33950

Welcome to Visiting Angels Punta Gorda! We provide senior care services in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Arcadia, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Captiva, Sanibel Florida, and the surrounding areas. Our in-home senior care services are designed to bring peace of mind to families and are adaptable to meet the special needs of your loved ones.Our ServicesFrom companion care a few hours each week to around-the-clock care for those with advanced Alzheimer's, our team of dedicated, compassionate, state-certified caregivers has the experience and expertise you seek. Our services include:Companion CarePersonal CareAlzheimer's and Dementia CareRespite CareAssistance with Daily Living ActivitiesTrusted CaregiversAll of our caregivers are bonded and insured by our agency. We do not use independent contractors, ensuring that you receive consistent, high-quality care from our team members.Free Consultation If you have a loved one who needs personalized in-home care, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to providing compassionate care and support to your family.

Visiting Angels

Home Health 25166 Marion Ave., Ste. 114, Punta Gorda, Florida, 33950

Welcome to Visiting Angels Punta Gorda! We provide senior care services in Punta Gorda, North Myers, Arcadia, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Captiva, Sanibel Florida, and the surrounding areas. Our in-home senior care services are designed to bring peace of mind to families and are adaptable to meet the special needs of your loved ones.Our ServicesFrom companion care a few hours each week to around-the-clock care for those with advanced Alzheimer's, our team of dedicated, compassionate, state-certified caregivers has the experience and expertise you seek. Our services include:Companion CarePersonal CareAlzheimer's and Dementia CareRespite CareAssistance with Daily Living ActivitiesTrusted CaregiversAll of our caregivers are bonded and insured by our agency. We do not use independent contractors, ensuring that you receive consistent, high-quality care from our team members.Free Consultation If you have a loved one who needs personalized in-home care, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to providing compassionate care and support to your family.