Heart Health Awareness Month
February is officially recognized as American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and promoting ways to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, impacting millions of families and individuals. While significant strides have been made in educating the public on heart health, ongoing efforts are crucial to further reducing the risks associated with heart-related conditions. February serves as a reminder that adopting healthy lifestyle choices and being proactive in managing cardiovascular health can have a profound impact on one's well-being.
Heart Health Awareness Month
Common Heart Health Risk Factors
Heart disease encompasses a variety of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart rhythm issues, and heart failure. While these conditions can develop for many reasons, the most common risk factors include:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Physical inactivity
These risk factors, often preventable or manageable through lifestyle changes, significantly increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. Unfortunately, many individuals may not realize they are at risk until it's too late, making awareness and early detection all the more critical.
For seniors, the risks are even higher. Aging naturally increases the likelihood of heart disease due to changes in the cardiovascular system, including stiffening arteries and declining heart function. This is why February's Heart Health Awareness efforts are particularly important for older adults who should be proactive in monitoring their heart health.
Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
Maintaining heart health doesn't have to be complicated. By incorporating these simple but effective habits into daily life, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease:
Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week can help improve heart health. Walking, swimming, and cycling are excellent low-impact exercises that seniors can safely enjoy. Whether your enjoy walks with our caregivers or need assistance getting to your favorite group activities our caregivers are ready with a helping hand!
Healthy Eating: A heart-healthy diet emphasizes whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, excess sugar, and salt. It's crucial to avoid trans fats, which are often found in packaged snacks and fast foods. Kore Cares offers clients the option for meal preparation services, our trained caregivers can assist you in cooking healthy and nutritious meals that you will surely enjoy!
Monitoring Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels are key. Maintaining healthy numbers can help prevent the onset of heart disease. We understand that getting to and from your healthcare provider can be stressful, at Kore Cares we can assist in getting you to and from appointments safely or be in your home to assist with telemedicine visits.
Managing Stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on the heart. Mindful practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and its negative effects on cardiovascular health.
Quitting Smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease. Quitting smoking, even later in life, can dramatically reduce the risk of developing heart-related issues.
Adequate Sleep: Good sleep is critical for heart health. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night to support overall cardiovascular function.
Our team understands that managing chronic conditions such as heart disease requires careful attention, and they are dedicated to providing the best possible care for their clients.
How Kore Cares Can Support Your Heart Health
Medication Management: Proper medication adherence is critical for individuals with heart conditions. Kore Cares caregivers ensure that clients take their prescribed medications on time, helping them manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and other heart-related concerns effectively.
Meal Preparation: A heart-healthy diet is essential for seniors at risk for or living with cardiovascular disease. Kore Cares provides meal preparation services that focus on balanced, nutrient-rich meals tailored to the dietary needs of individuals with heart conditions. Caregivers prioritize whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables, while reducing sodium and unhealthy fats in meal planning.
Encouraging Physical Activity: Kore Cares caregivers encourage clients to stay active, offering support with light exercises or walking routines that are safe and appropriate for their physical condition. This regular movement can help improve cardiovascular health and maintain overall well-being.
Monitoring and Reporting: Kore Cares caregivers are trained to observe any changes in a client’s health, such as sudden fatigue, dizziness, or swelling, all of which may indicate potential heart issues. Caregivers ensure timely communication with healthcare providers to address these concerns, ensuring that potential complications are caught early.
Emotional Support: Heart health isn’t just physical—emotional well-being plays a significant role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Kore Cares provides companionship, emotional support, and a compassionate presence that helps reduce stress and anxiety, both of which are known contributors to heart disease.
February is Heart Health Awareness Month
Heart Health Awareness Month in February serves as a reminder to take charge of your cardiovascular health by adopting healthy habits, educating yourself about the risks, and seeking out resources that can support your journey to wellness. For seniors and caregivers, this time is especially important to reflect on how aging can impact heart health and take proactive steps to manage these risks.
We are committed to helping individuals live healthier, happier lives by offering services tailored to the unique needs of seniors, especially those at risk for heart disease. As we celebrate Heart Health Awareness this February, remember that heart health is a lifelong commitment, and with the right support, it's a goal that can be achieved at any age.
To learn more about our services, please visit our services page.
Please call 1-888-546-0704 with any questions!