February Is American Heart Month

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women living in the United States. Therefore, heart health should be a topic that holds everyones interest. During the month of February, our team of in-home care providers at Qualicare “ Big Sky want to help you and your loved one stay as heart-healthy as possible.

Start Doing Your Heart a Favor

Heart protection is important for everyone; it shouldnt just be a focus of your loved ones health, but your health, too!

Take into consideration some of these factors that could play an important role in your overall heart health.

First, if you or your loved one are a current smoker, quit smoking to help give your heart a better chance of pumping strong for years and years to come! While most people are aware of the dangers that smoking can bring to your lung health (like increasing your risk of lung cancer), smoking can also cause damage to your heart by way of damaging the arteries and preventing blood flow to the heart. In addition, smoking can increase blood pressure, which is also a factor for increasing the risk of heart disease. The best way to protect your heart from these symptoms is by practicing smoking cessation immediately.

Second, you may have heard by now that sitting is the new smoking. For the most part, this saying is true because of what sitting for long periods of time can do to our health. For example, people who sit a lot tend not to exercise as much as those who move a lot throughout the day. In addition, sitters may be more inclined to snack more throughout the day than a more active person. Both habits lead to an increased risk of obesity, which places an extra toll on a persons heart. Therefore, it is recommended that people get up and get moving throughout the day. If it has been an hour since you moved last, get up and take a walk around the block, or even the living room. Try to make more time during the day for exercise and moving rather than sitting.

Finally, be sure to watch your diet. A heart-healthy diet should include raw fruits and vegetables, lean protein and foods with less trans-fat and salt. Fuel your heart with the foods that really get it pumping, not with pre-packaged foods that may slow it down.

Are you looking for additional care for your loved one? Visit the Qualicare “ Big Sky website today to learn how our in-home care providers can offer rehabilitation services to help your loved one recover from a recent heart attack or stroke.