Am I doing enough to keep my heart healthy?

The internet is full of information. Some can be very helpful, and some is just wrong. Even with helpful and accurate sources, knowing how to implement the information is critical to getting the benefit. Heart health is a hot topic and lots of websites provide key tips and strategies.

At Elite Home Health & Hospice, we rely on information from our medical partners – doctors in the community – who prescribe treatment regimens for our patients. As practitioners, we attend training and complete ongoing education for our licenses to make sure we are providing care that is consistent with the latest research. While the internet can be a great source to gather ideas, our goal is to make sure that your care is in alignment with your physician’s and your goals.

If you would like information on heart health strategies. We recommend reviewing with your physician the following reputable websites :

heart.org

cdc.gov

nih.gov

These websites are excellent resources to learn about strategies to manage your health and create a plan which may include lifestyle changes, diet changes, new medication regimens, and establishing care with a cardiologist. This can often be overwhelming and difficulty to implement alone. Elite’s home health services are designed to partner with you and your physician to create comprehensive interventions that are critical in managing heart disease. Ask your doctor about a course of home health as part of your care plan.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Healthy Heart Habits

What can I do now to have heart healthy habits?

  • Get enough exercise. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals perform at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise.
  • Quit smoking. A smoke-free life improves your circulation, reduces your risk of certain types of cancer, and helps you feel more energetic.
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet. A diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish and seafood instead of red and processed meats is shown to improve heart health.
  • Watch your numbers. Get regular check-ups to monitor health conditions that affect the heart, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, and make sure they’re under control with medication.
  • Reduce your alcohol intake. Excess alcohol consumption can worsen health conditions that contribute to heart disease, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and high cholesterol levels.
  • Watch your weight. Maintain a healthy body weight for your size.
  • Get better sleep. Most experts say that seniors should sleep between seven and nine hours each night. Sleep is beneficial for brain functionality, metabolism, immune functionality and emotional well-being.
  • Reduce stress factors. Stress can compound many heart disease risks that older adults already face, like high blood pressure.

Not sure where to get started with these recommendations?

Medicare recognizes the role of team in managing your health. The services provided under Medicare’s home health benefit is a free service that allows for a comprehensive and collaborative approach with your physician to manage your care.

Ask your physician if a course of home health can be a part of your heart health plan.