American Heart Month

It is American Heart Month! This is an incredibly important and relevant topic for the average American senior because 75% of men and women between the ages of 60-75 suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. There are many actions you can take to help you and your heart stay healthy while you age. Here are some good tips to keep you and your heart feeling your best!

• Keep Moving! 150 minutes of physical activity a week (about 20 minutes a day) is the goal. Start by engaging in activities you love: Dancing, gardening, walking, bicycling, etc.
• Quit smoking. It is beneficial at any age to stop smoking. It is the leading cause of preventable death and can cause damage to your artery walls.
• Eat heart-healthy foods. Incorporating lots of fruits and vegetables and foods high in fiber, while decreasing added sugars, saturated fats, and foods high in salt content help keep your heart functioning properly for much longer and lowers your chances of obtaining build-up in your coronary arteries.
• Stay on top of your high-blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol. Regularly checking your levels increases the chance of catching a potential problem right at the starting gate, instead of after it has already caused damage to your heart that cannot be reversed. Make sure to take any prescribed medications for these health concerns as directed by your physician.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Men should not have more than two drinks a day and women should not have more than one.
• Manage stress. Stay on top of your mental state and note how you are handling stressful situations. There are many resources to help you learn how to best cope with your stress.

For more information about different types of heart disease, their symptoms, and ways to manage them, visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/heart-health-and-aging.