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By the time you read this, the reported deaths from COVID-19 will have exceeded 450,000 in the U.S. As staggering as that statistic is, it's 150,000 short of the 600,000 Americans who die every year from heart disease, the number one killer in all groups.
Let's not allow the topic to overwhelm the fact there's a miracle inside your chest. Weighing about as much as a grapefruit, the heart is a powerful pump that drives five to six quarts of blood to every microscopic part of your body every second. And if it fails for even a second, the body is very unforgiving. Even though it's the one piece of machinery driven by the brain, we tend to treat the heart like a kitchen appliance that we take for granted. Rarely serviced, rarely cleaned, and overworked until it burns out. Although heart bypass and transplant have become routine since the pioneering operations in the 1960s, it's not like replacing the coffee maker you neglected too long.
One Thing at a Time
The better way to treat your heart with the respect it deserves is to start with changing just small habits. That way, you'll avoid the relapse from trying to change everything at once and falling back to unhealthy heart habits inside of a month. The most obvious: if you're a smoker or heavy drinker, work on that first. Imagine a small team of remodelers arriving at your heart to do a makeover. The first thing they're going to say is, "Well, we can't do anything with the plumbing until we clear the smoke."
Look for Help During Heart Month
Quitting smoking and to reduce alcohol is never easy, but this is probably as good a time as any during the year to start a cessation program – with help. February is American Heart Month, so you're likely to be reminded frequently of heart health and offered tips on modifying your routine to help your heart and prolong a happy life. If you only look to one place, trust the American Heart Association – www.heart.org.
Prediabetes and Heart Disease
What's your blood sugar level? If you don't know, you should find out from your doctor if you're not already monitoring it yourself. You could be pre-diabetic without knowing it or showing any symptoms. There's a good chance you could avoid becoming diabetic and reverse your pre-diabetic blood sugar to normal with relatively little change to your diet and a slight increase in your activity. Diabetes has long been linked to heart disease, but recent studies suggest that reversing prediabetes is also linked to fewer heart attacks and strokes. ["Reversing Prediabetes linked to fewer heart attacks, strokes," heart.org, Jan. 26, 2021.]
While you're at it, get your cholesterol tested and routinely monitor your blood pressure.
If you're worried you might be at risk for heart disease, ask your doctor to perform a simple cholesterol test to let you know if you're at risk and should adjust your diet. Home blood pressure monitors are not expensive, they're digital, and they're easy to use. Blood pressure stations are common in supermarkets now, and you can also check your weight and pulse.
Women's Heart Health
Why the emphasis on women's heart health? The American Heart Association tells us that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year – about one woman every minute. They devote an entire website to women's heart health: Go Red for Women (www.goredforwomen.org). Here are just a few of the common misconceptions about women's heart health:
Myth: Heart disease is for men, and cancer is the real threat for women
Fact: Heart disease is a killer that strikes more women than men and is more deadly than all cancer forms combined. While one in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, heart disease is the cause of one out of every three deaths.
Myth: Heart disease is for old people
Fact: Heart disease affects women of all ages. For younger women, the combination of birth control pills and smoking boosts heart disease risks by 20 percent. Heart defects are more common than you might think: 1.3 million Americans alive today have some form of congenital heart defect and at least nine of every 1,000 infants born each year have a heart defect. Even if you live a completely healthy lifestyle, being born with an underlying heart condition can be a risk factor.
Myth: "I run marathons – no way I could be at risk."
Fact: Factors like cholesterol, eating habits, and smoking can counterbalance your other healthy habits. You can be thin and have high cholesterol. The American Heart Association says to start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20. Earlier, if your family has a history of heart disease.
Age and Heart Health
Many things, like wine and most people, grow better with age. The heart, however, takes more tending than a glass of fine wine. Avoid things that weaken your heart beyond the normal aging process. These are the usual suspects: smoking and tobacco use, lack of exercise, diet, alcohol, overeating, and stress. Some preexisting conditions you can't control: irregular heartbeat, congenital (inherited) heart defects, sleep apnea (although this may be a product of obesity or alcohol consumption).
Viruses and Myocarditis.
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle mostly caused by a virus, including COVID-19, and can lead to left-sided heart failure. The left ventricle of the heart is the part that pumps oxygen-rich blood back to the body. This valve tends to stiffen with age. That's one of the many reasons why age combined with a preexisting condition puts you at greater risk of death from COVID-19. Even survivors of the novel coronavirus infection can sustain permanent heart damage. All people must protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by observing precautions, not just because of its immediate lethality but also because of the it's impact on the heart, known and unknown.
How to Start with Your Heart
The factors involved in heart health and the onset of heart disease are many, varied, and complicated. But the common preventions (listed here, from the Mayo Clinic) are simple. You probably already know them by heart, so to speak:
Those may seem like six significant challenges, especially if you take on all six. But you should notice something else about them. Almost every one of them can affect the other five. So, if you pick one, you'll find it easier to take on the next one. People who quit smoking usually discover that they have more energy within the first week, and exercise becomes easier. A little exercise and switching out one unhealthy food will help with weight, stress, blood pressure, and diabetes. Easy does it, especially if you're 65 and older. You've spent a whole life learning one way. You can take your time. Learn to enjoy your healthier heart. But start today.
First, Get a Checkup!
Most of the questions this article has raised in your mind ("What's my blood sugar level?" "What's my blood pressure?" "I used to smoke – am I at risk?") can all be answered in a single doctor's visit with simple lab work done a few days before. Schedule it now, before you start a program of exercise and diet. And schedule a regular exam per your doctor's recommendation. Relieving the stress of not knowing will be a good start on your way to a healthier heart.
What it Means to be an Organ DonorOrgan donors save lives and provide a second chance for men, women, and children waiting for transplants. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, more than 100,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list at any given time. Every day, 17 people will die from that list waiting for an organ donation. The unfortunate truth is there is a greater demand for organs than there are people to donate them, and understanding how donations afterlife can help those in need may make a difference in your decision to be an organ donor. What is an organ donor?An organ donation is when doctors take a healthy organ from one person and put it into someone else. An organ donor allows their organs to be used in an organ transplant. An organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of 75 more individuals. Some most commonly donated organs include kidneys, hearts, pancreas, intestines, skin, corneas, and bone marrow. While some organ donations occur after the donor passes away, there are several organs and tissues that you can donate while alive. While alive, you can donate a kidney, liver lobe, or part of a lung, pancreas, or intestine. These organs can continue to function, even if you only have a portion of them. Misconceptions about organ donationsSome people are concerned about becoming organ donors because of misconceptions theyve heard. Here are the facts behind common misconceptions to help you feel more at ease with your decision. Myth: I cant donate organs because of a medical illnessTruth: Few medical conditions automatically disqualify someone from being a donor. Even if someones had cancer or disease of an organ, they could still have healthy tissues or other organs that would be viable for a donation. Myth: Im too old to be an organ donorTruth: There is no age limit on organ donations. Doctors assess organs on a case-by-case basis; even older adults have working organs and tissue that may be suitable for a transplant to save someones life. Myth: My family will have to change end-of-life arrangements if I donate an organTruth: The body is treated with care throughout the donation process and will not interfere with your end-of-life plans. Those who wish to have an open-casket funeral can still do so without anyone noticing anything different about the body. How do I become an organ donor?If you think organ donation might be something for you, you can sign up to be a donor online through your state registry or by going to https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up. You can also sign up in person at your local motor vehicle department. You can change your mind or update your information at any time. Working with Visiting AngelsIf youre waiting on a transplant or have recently undergone transplant surgery and need help caring for yourself at home, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, personal grooming, and transportation. Our Mobile office works with seniors in Mobile and the surrounding area. If youd like to learn more about our services or wish to schedule a complimentary consultation, visit our listing, our website or call 251.345.4100.
Early detection of lung cancer increases your odds of successful treatment and celebrating more birthdays. But a lung cancer screening comes with a few risks, too. So, should you get checked?The American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) say yes if you meet certain criteria tied to long-time cigarette use.Lets take a closer look at your options with pulmonologist Peter Mazzone, MD, MPH.Who should get a lung cancer screening?A lung cancer screening isnt for everyone, states Dr. Mazzone. Its recommended only for adults who are at high risk for the disease which explains why screening guidelines are pretty specific.The USPSTF suggests an annual lung cancer screening if all of the following apply: Youre between age 50 and 80.Youve smoked at least 20 pack-years of cigarettes. (To calculate pack-years, multiply the average number of packs smoked per day by the number of years you smoked. So, 20 pack-years is one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years).You currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.Its also important that youre healthy enough to benefit from finding and treating early-stage lung cancer. People who get tested dont typically have symptoms of lung cancer.If someone comes to us in a wheelchair already wearing oxygen and couldnt tolerate treatment, they typically arent eligible for screening, clarifies Dr. Mazzone. However, there are nearly 15 million Americans who are at high risk and should receive screening.It should be noted, too, that a lung cancer screening is a quick and painless imaging exam. It uses low-dose computed tomography, or low-dose CT, to capture very detailed pictures of your lungs.Why is lung cancer screening important?As noted, lung cancer often doesnt announce itself with early symptoms. So, without an annual screening, lung cancer is often detected once the disease has progressed and spread which makes successful treatment less likely.People with lung cancer have about an 80% chance of being alive five years later if the cancer is diagnosed and treatment begins during Stage 1. The five-year survival rate is about 4% if tumors have spread.That leads us to this alarming reality: Only about 1 in 4 people with lung cancer are diagnosed before the cancer spreads. Early detection is key to changing that, says Dr. Mazzone.Are lung cancer screenings perfect? Of course not. Scans sometimes detect small spots called nodules that look concerning but are basically harmless little scars. Radiation exposure is a concern, too. Ditto for overdiagnosis of conditions and additional testing and stress.But the benefits of lung cancer screening still outweigh any potential harm for many people, notes Dr. Mazzone.How often is lung cancer found during a screening?Lung cancer is found in about 1 in every 140 people who get screened. This may sound like a small number, but its about the same or better than the results for breast cancer and colon cancer screening.How to decide whether to get a lung screening?A counseling session is often required before a lung cancer screening so you can discuss lung cancer risks, the screening process, benefits and potential harm. It can be a complex and difficult decision for people to make.Many people value the potential benefit of screening so much theyre happy to accept them, explains Dr. Mazzone. Others may have a different perspective. Talk to your doctor to help decide whats best for you.And because the test is annual, the decision on whether to do it can be revisited every year.This article was written by Lungs, Breathing and Allergy Team from Cleveland Clinic and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive.Contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for your medicare and health insurance needs. Contact them at 251-344-2115
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
Located in the vibrant and friendly community of Cape Coral, The Windsor of Cape Coral offers both assisted living and memory care services. Residents receive personalized assistance that enhances their independence, alongside a vibrant social atmosphere where neighbors become friends. From maintenance-free services to multiple wellness resources, The Windsor of Cape Coral offers a lifestyle that keeps residents feeling their best.As you search for the best senior living residences on the Florida Gulf Coast, look no further than The Windsor at Cape Coral. Offering both assisted living and memory care, every resident enjoys amenities, services, and programs tailored to their preferences and needs. The residence is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of seniors, with features like natural lighting and low-pile carpet to enhance safety and comfort.Assisted living residents benefit from personalized care plans and access to amenities like a bistro, post office, and various gathering spaces. They can also participate in life enrichment activities and events. Memory care residents receive person-centered care in a homelike setting, with specially trained associates and programs to support independence.All residents at The Windsor of Cape Coral enjoy amenities such as transportation, housekeeping, around-the-clock support, and vibrant programs and events. Experience life at The Windsor of Cape Coral by scheduling a visit to meet the team, learn about services, and see available apartments. Join our community and find a place to call home.
Located in the vibrant and friendly community of Cape Coral, The Windsor of Cape Coral offers both assisted living and memory care services. Residents receive personalized assistance that enhances their independence, alongside a vibrant social atmosphere where neighbors become friends. From maintenance-free services to multiple wellness resources, The Windsor of Cape Coral offers a lifestyle that keeps residents feeling their best.As you search for the best senior living residences on the Florida Gulf Coast, look no further than The Windsor at Cape Coral. Offering both assisted living and memory care, every resident enjoys amenities, services, and programs tailored to their preferences and needs. The residence is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of seniors, with features like natural lighting and low-pile carpet to enhance safety and comfort.Assisted living residents benefit from personalized care plans and access to amenities like a bistro, post office, and various gathering spaces. They can also participate in life enrichment activities and events. Memory care residents receive person-centered care in a homelike setting, with specially trained associates and programs to support independence.All residents at The Windsor of Cape Coral enjoy amenities such as transportation, housekeeping, around-the-clock support, and vibrant programs and events. Experience life at The Windsor of Cape Coral by scheduling a visit to meet the team, learn about services, and see available apartments. Join our community and find a place to call home.