February isn’t just for lovers. It’s also the time to love your heart because it is American Heart Month. Cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure, is the #1 killer of men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While a cardiovascular condition can interfere with work and home life, it is preventable.
In honor of American Heart Health Month, Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County offers three simple steps to get your heart, and your aging loved ones’ hearts, on the path to better health this February.
- Partner Up – Get a support system of friends and family to make the journey to enhanced heart health more enjoyable. If you are concerned about the health of an aging parent or loved one, invite them over to cook a healthy meal together can be a fun and creative way to follow healthy dietary guidelines. You can also plan physical activities with your loved one, such as a hike or bike ride, to help maintain weight and lower blood pressure. If you aren’t able to meet-up with your loved one, see if a part-time caregiver is available to provide hourly home care in Jefferson County for help with physical fitness activities.
- Monitor Blood Pressure – People over age 55 have a 90% chance of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). Because hypertension may lead to a heart attack or stroke, monitoring blood pressure, either with a home monitor or at the doctor’s office, can help ensure that proper treatment is provided to lower high levels as soon as possible.In honor of American Heart Month, Jefferson Medical Center will offer free blood pressure checks on Friday, February 14th and 28th from 11 am – 1 pm. This is a great opportunity to check-in on your loved one’s blood pressure levels.
- Wear RED – Be bold and support the cause on National Wear Red Day, February 6th. Red will remind you to put your heart first and will be a way to spread awareness about the importance of cardiovascular health.
There is no better time than American Heart Month to love your heart and the hearts of those around you. If you are concerned about an elderly loved one’s heart health as they age, or if he or she has experienced a heart attack or stroke and requires specialty care, reach out to Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County today. While we provide Jefferson County stroke care, we also offer care on a flexible hourly or live-in basis to meet a variety of senior care needs. For more information, call us at 303-987-5992 and schedule a complimentary consultation with a friendly Care Manager.