The Windsor of Bradenton

Enacted in 1988 by former president Ronald Regan, Senior Citizens Day is one of the best ways to show our gratitude to our loved ones, as well as spending some much needed time participating with them as much as possible. Its also a great way to remember what seniors have achieved and sacrificed on our behalf.According to Ronald Regan, Senior Citizens Day is the perfect time to show gratitude and appreciation by making sure our residences are good places where older people can participate as much as possible [finding] encouragement, acceptance, support, and (the) services they need to continue living a life of independence and dignity.There are over 600 million people over the age of 60 worldwide - and this number continues to grow as medicinal advancements help people live longer. As a country, we need to come together and make sure that our aging loved ones get the caregiver support, nutrition, and help with daily living that they deserve for their contribution to society. These goals should further ensure that no elderly loved ones struggle or suffer unnecessarily nor live a life thats not happy, healthy, and fulfilling.We can achieve these goals by:Supporting aging loved ones through the aging processParticipating in society to help promote your aging loved ones needs, skills and knowledge for the next generationSpending time with older adult residents who are aloneVolunteering at a Legend Senior Living assisted living communityThanking elders for everything they have done for their children (like cultivating nurturing relationships, recognizing their sacrifices in life, and even providing important guidance)Ending hunger and poverty for the elderly to guarantee a peaceful lifeUsing #SeniorCititzensDay hashtags on social media posts to help promote awarenessOur loved ones have contributed so much to our great nation; forging it into the country that it is today. Because of this, we owe them all a huge debt of gratitude. We can take our grandparents out for coffee and simply share life stories with them. We can help them feel cherished. Sometimes, even celebrating aging with loved ones can mean so much to them.If you bake treats or other goodies, be sure to distribute them to those who dont have loved ones near to visit. Include a personal note of thanks for all that older adults have accomplished- including any positive impacts theyve had on your life. You can also help them find senior citizens discounts at stores and restaurants in the area!The Unseen Positive Impacts of Senior Citizens DayYour loved ones want to preserve their legacy and their history. They want to share stories of the past, and reminisce about things youve never experienced. They want you to document their past, remembering important events and helping them memorialize their achievements.Studies have found that participating in these activities has shown positive impacts on seniors memory skills, emotional health, cognitive ability (especially for those suffering from memory disorders like Alzheimers or dementia) and even with physical wellbeing! Sharing positive memories and reminiscing have even been proven to have marked effects on aging loved ones pride, self-esteem, and positive outlook on life. Plus, these stories preserve priceless memories, and bring together families and residences - teaching future generations important stories about real-life heroes of the past.If youre interested in getting involved or would like a tour of Legend Senior Living, contact us today! We encourage you to join Legend Senior Living in our celebration of life, not only this August 21st, but every single day.

Lets Get Heart Smart February Is American Heart MonthBy the time you read this, the reported deaths from COVID-19 and its variants in the U.S. will be close to 900,000. As staggering as that statistic is, its 400,000 short of the number of Americans killed by Heart Disease in the same time period. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women of most racial and ethnic groups.Lets not allow the topic to overwhelm the fact theres 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 its 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, its not like replacing the coffee maker you neglected too long. One Thing at a TimeThe better way to treat your heart with the respect it deserves is to start with changing just small habits. That way, youll 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 youre 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 theyre going to say is, Well, we cant do anything with the plumbing until we clear the smoke.Look for Help During Heart MonthQuitting smoking and reducing 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 youre 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 DiseaseWhats your blood sugar level? If you dont know, you should find out from your doctor if youre not already monitoring it yourself. You could be pre-diabetic without knowing it or showing any symptoms. Theres 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 inyour 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 youre at it, get your cholesterol tested and routinely monitor your blood pressure.If youre worried you might be at risk for heart disease, ask your doctor to perform a simple cholesterol test to let you know if youre at risk and should adjust your diet. Home blood pressure monitors are not expensive, theyre digital, and theyre easy to use. Blood pressure stations are common in supermarkets now, and you can also check your weight and pulse. Womens Heart HealthWhy the emphasis on womens 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 womens heart health: Go Red for Women (www.goredforwomen.org). Here are just a few of the common misconceptions about womens heart health:Myth: Heart disease is for men, and cancer is the real threat for womenFact: 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 peopleFact: 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 HealthMany 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 cant control: irregular heartbeat, congenital (inherited) heart defects, sleep apnea (although this may be a product of obesity or alcohol consumption).Viruses and MyocarditisMyocarditis 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. Thats 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 its impact on the heart, known and unknown.How to Start with Your HeartThe 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:Not smokingControlling certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetesStaying physically activeEating healthy foodsMaintaining a healthy weightReducing and managing stressThose 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, youll 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 youre 65 and older. Youve 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 (Whats my blood sugar level? Whats my blood pressure? I used to smoke am I at risk?) can all be answered in a single doctors 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 doctors recommendation. Relieving the stress of not knowing will be a good start on your way to a healthier heart.

For people who can retire wherever they want, Florida is almost always near the top of the list. Why wouldnt it be? The ideal climate. The state income and inheritance taxes. Wait! What state income and inheritance taxes? (Zero.) Golfing, fishing, boating, sightseeingwow. No wonder Florida has the highest percentage of people over 65. Military retirees have even more reasons to prefer Florida.More Bases, More ReasonsFlorida is particularly attractive for military retirees, whether career military or any vet with veterans benefits. One big reason beyond the usual that makes Florida a retirees paradise is its 21 military bases. This means its easy to live near a VA hospital, and having ready access to quality VA medical care can be reason enough to locate here. Military bases themselves house base exchanges, commissaries, dispensaries (clinics), pharmacies, and other specialty medical services and are well-known for quality golf courses and other on-base recreation.Military retirees in Florida find it easy to socialize with their fellow vets, with many organizations dedicated to helping them relocate and get acclimated. WalletHub, the personal finance website, ranks Florida as the best state for military retirees for all of the above reasons. Top Reasons for Vets to Retire in FloridaNo Tax on Pensions Florida has no state income tax, and veterans receive their total pension income without paying a cent of state tax, leaving pure disposable income. Dispose it on lifestyle, investment, your retirement home its up to you. You could save enough that this reason alone is enough to move you to the Sunshine State. Other Tax Benefits Military.com lists some of the many tax benefits Florida military retirees benefit from. Resident veterans with VA disability of at least 10% can get a $5,000 deduction on their homes assessed value. Surviving spouses married to the veteran for at least five years may also be entitled to this exemption.Resident veterans with an honorable discharge and 100% permanently disabled and quadriplegic veterans are exempt from property tax on their residence. Unmarried surviving spouses may also be eligible. Florida resident veterans who are paraplegic, hemiplegic, or permanently disabled who must use a wheelchair for mobility, or are legally blind, may be exempt from real estate taxation depending on income. VA Health Care Is Super Accessible With 21 military bases in the state, Florida has a proportional number of VA hospitals and veterans health services.The state offers a 25% discounted annual pass to all state parks for honorably discharged veterans. Veterans with service-connected disabilities and their spouses or surviving spouses get a free lifetime pass. Lots of Other Veterans A Department of Defense report showed nearly 200,000 military retirees and 1.5 million veterans in the state. Only Texas has more. That also means $5 billion in military pensions come with them. This creates a massive advantage for retirees as retail and service businesses catering to the market. Member groups such as the USO and Team RWB offer senior veterans peer support and connections for assistance and socialization. Florida Is Already Geared for Retirement Only Maine has a higher population percentage over 65. The attraction of Florida to retirement-age people is longstanding, and this resonates throughout the commerce and health care of the entire state. Peer social groups and venues are plentiful. Medical specialists and services such as physical therapy and memory care are more abundant, giving medical professionals a greater pool of talent and experience to pull from. Recreational activities that fit the older population are easy to come by, which lessens the age-related afflictions of isolation, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.Retiring on the Coast Is Healthier Think about it. Dont think too hard. Thats the whole point. Living next to the water de-stresses the brain. Ask any sailors why they love the sea. How many mood relaxer videos or meditation recordings do you hear use the sound of the ocean or rainwater to help you relax and sleep? You dont have to live on the beach to get the benefit. Living in a senior living setting in a coastal area, you can visit the beach for a walk or an afternoon under a beach umbrella as a therapy session. Theoretically, even the smell of the ocean soothes the brain because of the negative ions youre breathing in. Another reason is that the beach is just a completely different place from the urban environment. Relief from traffic and noise is always healthy. A scouting trip to the Florida coast is in order if youve never been or live somewhere inland. Florida has some 30,000 lakes and more than 13,000 miles of coastline. You may have a hard time choosing, but youll have a lot of fun looking. Recreational Attractions for Retired Military Besides Floridas many golf courses, shopping centers, and beaches, some attractions might be of particular interest to former military personnel. Floridas military history is rich, and the state claims several military museums:Fort Mose Historic State ParkArmed Forces History MuseumBrevard Veterans Memorial Center MuseumCorporal Larry E. Smedley Vietnam War MuseumBrigade 2506 Museum and LibraryDeland Naval Air Station MuseumJacksonville Automobile and Motorcycle MuseumRecreational Benefits for Veterans and Retired Military Military.com gives a complete list of sports and recreation benefits for veterans, particularly disabled veterans. Here are some of particular interest to retired military:Florida Veteran Recreation BenefitsState Park AdmissionThe state offers a 25% discounted annual pass to all state parks for honorably discharged veterans. Veterans with service-connected disabilities and their spouses or surviving spouses get a free lifetime pass.Hunting and Fishing LicensesActive-duty and retired military Florida residents are eligible for a Military Gold Sportsmans License for $20. The license covers hunting, freshwater and saltwater fishing, and various associated permits at a significantly reduced cost. 100% permanently and disabled service-connected veterans are entitled to a free five-year hunting and fishing license.Visit military.com and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.Senior Living Communities for VeteransLegend Senior Living is a proud provider of Windsor Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care to many retired service members in our eleven Florida communities. These residences are located in the most desirable areas for retiring in Florida: Cape Coral, Gainesville, Ocala, Palm Coast, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, and Jacksonville.Veterans hold a special place in our hearts and their communities. Weve helped hundreds of retired servicemen and servicewomen find the perfect continuity of lifestyle and care throughout their retirement years. Specifically located for recreation, shopping, entertainment, and within minutes of the coast and VA hospitals, Windsor residences take advantage of everything Florida offers.As always, thank you for all youve done for your country. Call anytime for a private tour, and let us know youre a vet or retired military. We can show you why many choose the Windsor lifestyle when retiring to Florida.

Shortly after assuming operations of The Province of Southampton Personal Care and Memory Care, Legend Senior Living has introduced its advanced memory care therapy with the PARO Seal robotic interactive companion, an award-winning innovation that Legend has adopted in several of its residences. Legend is the only memory care provider in the region employing the technology. As part of Legend's comprehensive memory care programming and therapy aimed at tangible results for those with dementia, the PARO Seal has shown great success in calming fear and anxiety, improving socialization, combating depression and loneliness, and reducing the use of psychotropic drugs. To put it simply, the cuddly, lifelike baby seal with an artificially intelligent brain produces the dopamine-and-serotonin-boosting effects of medication combined and animal companion therapy with none of the side effects or inconveniences."We were eager to bring PARO Seal to The Province as soon as possible," said Chris Mahen, Legend's Chief Operating Officer. "It's highly sophisticated technology but very easy to implement, and the residents embrace it immediately. It's a favorite among caregivers and families because it's a non-pharmacological treatment that produces astounding results."Of course, "PARO Seal" as a name doesn't reflect their little pal's friendly, cuddly nature. So, in what has become a tradition among all Legend residences with the technology - naming the PARO Seal - The Province Memory Care residents and associates collaborated to name their new pet: Snowflake.Ten years ago, the little robot pet might have been considered novel therapy. Today, it's regarded as excellent medicine. The key is artificial intelligence (AI). Snowflake has an amazing array of sensors that allow it to respond to touch, light, sound, and position. It can recognize its name and gestures of greetings or praise. It even knows when it's being petted to encourage positive behavior. Snowflake responds as if it is alive, moving its head and legs, making sounds, and showing the user's preferred behavior, even imitating the voice of an actual baby harp seal."People want to know why a harp seal, an animal few have seen up close," explained Mahen. "That's exactly the point. Residents with dementia may have a fear of dogs or cats or a past association that can sadden them. The PARO program brings all the benefits of animal therapy, which is quite effective, without the concerns."Mahen pointed out the many surprising benefits of PARO therapy, such as reducing resident and caregiver stress, reducing wandering and fall risk, stimulating interaction with caregivers and other residents, focusing attention, and strengthening brain health. The Province Memory Care will benefit from the entire complement of programming and therapy standards in Legend's Memory Care residences. Professional Associates rely on the Best Friends Approach to Dementia Therapy, an empathetic approach that emphasizes identifying with the resident to understand and address their challenges. Parallel Programming introduces the resident to programming and activity at their particular acuity level for the best results. The use of neuroplasticity, the principle by which the brain creates neuropathways for itself, can foster new memory creation and improved cognition.The PARO Seal has earned the following awards:Best of the Best by Argentum, a senior living trade organizationPC Magazine Best of ComdexService Award at the Japanese governments Robot AwardsInnovation Delivery Award at New Zealands Aged Care Association

For more information on the author, The Windsor of Bradenton, CLICK HERE!For people who can retire wherever they want, Florida is almost always near the top of the list. Why would'nt it be? The ideal climate. The state income and inheritance taxes. Wait! What state income and inheritance taxes? (Zero.) Golfing, fishing, boating, sightseeing wow. No wonder Florida has the highest percentage of people over 65. Military retirees have even more reasons to prefer Florida.More Bases, More ReasonsFlorida is particularly attractive for military retirees, whether career military or any vet with veterans benefits. One big reason beyond the usual that makes Florida a retirees paradise is its 21 military bases. This means its easy to live near a VA hospital, and having ready access to quality VA medical care can be reason enough to locate here. Military bases themselves house base exchanges, commissaries, dispensaries (clinics), pharmacies, and other specialty medical services and are well-known for quality golf courses and other on-base recreation.Military retirees in Florida find it easy to socialize with their fellow vets, with many organizations dedicated to helping them relocate and get acclimated. Wallet Hub, the personal finance website, ranks Florida as the best state for military retirees for all of the above reasons.Top Reasons for Vets to Retire in FloridaNo Tax on Pensions Florida has no state income tax, and veterans receive their total pension income without paying a cent of state tax, leaving pure disposable income. Dispose it on lifestyle, investment, your retirement home its up to you. You could save enough that this reason alone is enough to move you to the Sunshine State.Other Tax BenefitsMilitary.com lists some of the many tax benefits Florida military retirees benefit from. Resident veterans with VA disability of at least 10% can get a $5,000 deduction on their homes assessed value. Surviving spouses married to the veteran for at least five years may also be entitled to this exemption.Resident veterans with an honorable discharge and 100% permanently disabled and quadriplegic veterans are exempt from property tax on their residence. Unmarried surviving spouses may also be eligible. Florida resident veterans who are paraplegic, hemiplegic, or permanently disabled who must use a wheelchair for mobility, or are legally blind, may be exempt from real estate taxation depending on income.VA Health Care Is Super Accessible With 21 military bases in the state, Florida has a proportional number of VA hospitals and veterans health services.The state offers a 25% discounted annual pass to all state parks for honorably discharged veterans. Veterans with service-connected disabilities and their spouses or surviving spouses get a free lifetime pass.Lots of Other Veterans A Department of Defense report showed nearly 200,000 military retirees and 1.5 million veterans in the state. Only Texas has more. That also means $5 billion in military pensions come with them. This creates a massive advantage for retirees as retail and service businesses catering to the market. Member groups such as the USO and Team RWB offer senior veterans peer support and connections for assistance and socialization.Florida Is Already Geared for Retirement Only Maine has a higher population percentage over 65. The attraction of Florida to retirement-age people is longstanding, and this resonates throughout the commerce and health care of the entire state. Peer social groups and venues are plentiful. Medical specialists and services such as physical therapy and memory care are more abundant, giving medical professionals a greater pool of talent and experience to pull from. Recreational activities that fit the older population are easy to come by, which lessens the age-related afflictions of isolation, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.Retiring on the Coast Is Healthier Think about it. Don't think too hard. That's the whole point. Living next to the water de-stresses the brain. Ask any sailors why they love the sea. How many mood relaxer videos or meditation recordings do you hear use the sound of the ocean or rainwater to help you relax and sleep? You don't have to live on the beach to get the benefit. Living in a senior living setting in a coastal area, you can visit the beach for a walk or an afternoon under a beach umbrella as a therapy session. Theoretically, even the smell of the ocean soothes the brain because of the negative ions you're breathing in. Another reason is that the beach is just a completely different place from the urban environment. Relief from traffic and noise is always healthy. A scouting trip to the Florida coast is in order if you've never been or live somewhere inland. Florida has some 30,000 lakes and more than 13,000 miles of coastline. You may have a hard time choosing, but you'll have a lot of fun looking.Recreational Attractions for Retired Military Besides Florida's many golf courses, shopping centers, and beaches, some attractions might be of particular interest to former military personnel. Florida's military history is rich, and the state claims several military museums:Fort Mose Historic State ParkArmed Forces History MuseumBrevard Veterans Memorial Center MuseumCorporal Larry E. Smedley Vietnam War MuseumBrigade 2506 Museum and LibraryDeland Naval Air Station MuseumJacksonville Automobile and Motorcycle MuseumRecreational Benefits for Veterans and Retired MilitaryMilitary.com gives a complete list of sports and recreation benefits for veterans, particularly disabled veterans. Here are some of particular interest to retired military:Florida Veteran Recreation BenefitsState Park AdmissionThe state offers a 25% discounted annual pass to all state parks for honorably discharged veterans. Veterans with service-connected disabilities and their spouses or surviving spouses get a free lifetime pass.Hunting and Fishing LicensesActive-duty and retired military Florida residents are eligible for a Military Gold Sportsman's License for $20. The license covers hunting, freshwater and saltwater fishing, and various associated permits at a significantly reduced cost. 100% permanently and disabled service-connected veterans are entitled to a free five-year hunting and fishing license.Visit military.com and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.

Enacted in 1988 by former president Ronald Regan, Senior Citizens Day is one of the best ways to show our gratitude to our loved ones, as well as spending some much needed time participating with them as much as possible. Its also a great way to remember what seniors have achieved and sacrificed on our behalf.According to Ronald Regan, Senior Citizens Day is the perfect time to show gratitude and appreciation by making sure our residences are good places where older people can participate as much as possible [finding] encouragement, acceptance, support, and (the) services they need to continue living a life of independence and dignity.There are over 600 million people over the age of 60 worldwide - and this number continues to grow as medicinal advancements help people live longer. As a country, we need to come together and make sure that our aging loved ones get the caregiver support, nutrition, and help with daily living that they deserve for their contribution to society. These goals should further ensure that no elderly loved ones struggle or suffer unnecessarily nor live a life thats not happy, healthy, and fulfilling.We can achieve these goals by:Supporting aging loved ones through the aging processParticipating in society to help promote your aging loved ones needs, skills and knowledge for the next generationSpending time with older adult residents who are aloneVolunteering at a Legend Senior Living assisted living communityThanking elders for everything they have done for their children (like cultivating nurturing relationships, recognizing their sacrifices in life, and even providing important guidance)Ending hunger and poverty for the elderly to guarantee a peaceful lifeUsing #SeniorCititzensDay hashtags on social media posts to help promote awarenessOur loved ones have contributed so much to our great nation; forging it into the country that it is today. Because of this, we owe them all a huge debt of gratitude. We can take our grandparents out for coffee and simply share life stories with them. We can help them feel cherished. Sometimes, even celebrating aging with loved ones can mean so much to them.If you bake treats or other goodies, be sure to distribute them to those who dont have loved ones near to visit. Include a personal note of thanks for all that older adults have accomplished- including any positive impacts theyve had on your life. You can also help them find senior citizens discounts at stores and restaurants in the area!The Unseen Positive Impacts of Senior Citizens DayYour loved ones want to preserve their legacy and their history. They want to share stories of the past, and reminisce about things youve never experienced. They want you to document their past, remembering important events and helping them memorialize their achievements.Studies have found that participating in these activities has shown positive impacts on seniors memory skills, emotional health, cognitive ability (especially for those suffering from memory disorders like Alzheimers or dementia) and even with physical wellbeing! Sharing positive memories and reminiscing have even been proven to have marked effects on aging loved ones pride, self-esteem, and positive outlook on life. Plus, these stories preserve priceless memories, and bring together families and residences - teaching future generations important stories about real-life heroes of the past.If youre interested in getting involved or would like a tour of Legend Senior Living, contact us today! We encourage you to join Legend Senior Living in our celebration of life, not only this August 21st, but every single day.

Lets Get Heart Smart February Is American Heart MonthBy the time you read this, the reported deaths from COVID-19 and its variants in the U.S. will be close to 900,000. As staggering as that statistic is, its 400,000 short of the number of Americans killed by Heart Disease in the same time period. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women of most racial and ethnic groups.Lets not allow the topic to overwhelm the fact theres 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 its 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, its not like replacing the coffee maker you neglected too long. One Thing at a TimeThe better way to treat your heart with the respect it deserves is to start with changing just small habits. That way, youll 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 youre 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 theyre going to say is, Well, we cant do anything with the plumbing until we clear the smoke.Look for Help During Heart MonthQuitting smoking and reducing 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 youre 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 DiseaseWhats your blood sugar level? If you dont know, you should find out from your doctor if youre not already monitoring it yourself. You could be pre-diabetic without knowing it or showing any symptoms. Theres 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 inyour 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 youre at it, get your cholesterol tested and routinely monitor your blood pressure.If youre worried you might be at risk for heart disease, ask your doctor to perform a simple cholesterol test to let you know if youre at risk and should adjust your diet. Home blood pressure monitors are not expensive, theyre digital, and theyre easy to use. Blood pressure stations are common in supermarkets now, and you can also check your weight and pulse. Womens Heart HealthWhy the emphasis on womens 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 womens heart health: Go Red for Women (www.goredforwomen.org). Here are just a few of the common misconceptions about womens heart health:Myth: Heart disease is for men, and cancer is the real threat for womenFact: 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 peopleFact: 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 HealthMany 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 cant control: irregular heartbeat, congenital (inherited) heart defects, sleep apnea (although this may be a product of obesity or alcohol consumption).Viruses and MyocarditisMyocarditis 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. Thats 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 its impact on the heart, known and unknown.How to Start with Your HeartThe 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:Not smokingControlling certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetesStaying physically activeEating healthy foodsMaintaining a healthy weightReducing and managing stressThose 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, youll 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 youre 65 and older. Youve 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 (Whats my blood sugar level? Whats my blood pressure? I used to smoke am I at risk?) can all be answered in a single doctors 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 doctors recommendation. Relieving the stress of not knowing will be a good start on your way to a healthier heart.